Boston, Mass.--The UMass Boston Beacons used timely pitching in game one and a dominant offensive performance in game two to secure a two-game sweep (5-4, 8-1), over Rhode Island College in Little East Conference baseball action on Friday afternoon.

With the victory, the Beacons (26-12, 10-4 LEC) clinch the regular season LEC crown and will continue their season in the LEC playoffs, while the Anchormen (13-22-2, 2-12 LEC) see their season come to a close.

The Beacons struck first in game one, opening a 2-0 lead during the opening stanza. Sophomore second baseman Josh Lopez (New Haven, CT) opened the game with a single and advanced to second when junior pitcher Dan Mantoni (Northbridge, MA) walked. A double steal put both runners in scoring position with no outs. Following a pop out to the shortstop, Lopez scored on an RBI single by freshman left fielder Ryan Olivo (Rochester, NY). Following a strikeout, the Beacons executed their second double steal of the inning, with Mantoni swiping home on the play.

The Anchormen got one run back in the top half of the fourth inning when junior designated hitter Austin Barry (North Kingstown, RI) scored on a two-out wild pitch. UMB answered back in the bottom of the fifth inning with Mantoni knocking in an RBI double to make the score 3-1 thru five complete.

The Anchormen struck for a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to make the score 3-3. Junior second baseman Scott Linnane (North Kingstown, RI) got the scoring started, singling up the middle to score sophomore center fielder Brad Douglas (Wakefield, RI). Freshman catcher Jake Petrin (Lincoln, RI) knotted the game at three apiece when he grounded out to the pitcher, scoring junior first baseman TJ Lynch (South Kingstown, RI).

UMB took the lead right back in the bottom of the inning when Lopez registered and RBI single up the middle for the 4-3 advantage.  Lynch knotted the game in the top of the eighth inning when he recorded an RBI single to center field.

The Beacons would come through in the bottom of the ninth to secure the game one victory. With two down and the bases loaded, junior catcher Anthony Searles (Shelton, CT) was hit by a pitch, recording an RBI and driving in the winning run.

RIC senior pitcher Dylan Pingitore (Johnston, RI) went 7.0 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits while recording three strikeouts. Sophomore Daniel Greaves (Warwick, RI) went 1.2 innings in relief, allowing just one run on three hits in the loss (1-3). Mantoni went 6.0 innings, allowing just one run on two hits before giving way to the bullpen. Freshman leftyManny Garcia (Boston, MA) went 1.1 innings to pick up the victory (3-1).

In the nightcap, the Beacons opened game two quickly, going up 1-0 in the first inning after an RBI single by Olivo. They would tack on another run in the home half of the third inning when Mantoni ripped a two-out solo homer to put the hosts up 2-0.

UMB would double its advantage in the home half of the fifth, scoring a pair of two out runs to take control of the game. Freshman right fielder Nick Herzog (Riverhead, NY) got the scoring started, knocking in an RBI single and advancing to second on the throw. Herzog would come in to come when junior shortstop Dave Murphy (Plymouth, MA) knocked an RBI double to third base to up the advantage to four, 4-0.

The Beacons would strike again in the sixth inning, doing their damage with two outs. Sophomore center fielder Sal Frosceno (Derby, CT) led the way, smacking an RBI single to up the advantage to five, 5-0, with just nine outs remaining. UMB would strike for three more runs in the bottom of the seventh, with Mantoni notching an RBI double and Murphy ripping a two-run homer to left field to make the score 8-0.

With three outs remaining in their season the Anchormen finally broke through against the Beacons' pitching staff, loading the bases with one out before Linnane was walked, picking up an RBI and making the score 8-1. Following a strikeout, the Beacons went to the bullpen and with the bases loaded and two outs were able to induce a fly out to secure the game two victory and earn the sweep.

UMass freshman pitcher JTMorin (Wilton, CT) went 7.0 innings, allowing no runs, while scattering four hits and striking out five in the victory (4-0). RIC junior PJ Watson (Cheshire, CT) went 6.0 innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on eight hits and striking out eight in the defeat (2-4).