Providence, RI --- Junior Tim Lombardi (Providence, RI) batted 3-for-5 with two doubles, a triple, four RBI and two runs scored as Johnson & Wales defeated WPI, 12-6, Wednesday in a non-conference baseball game.
Senior Rob Ballinger (South Kingston, RI) began the bottom of the first with a hit back to the pitcher and eventually scored on a miscue. Sophomore Colby Greenhalgh (Plainfield, CT) made it 2-0 with a run-producing single to left center and crossed the plate on a productive ground out by Lombardi. With the bases loaded in the second, sophomore Vin Amalfitano (Massapequa, NY) drove in the fourth run of the game with a single.
WPI also had a bases loaded situation as freshman Jordan DeDonato (Danvers, MA) scored on a miscue put into play by junior Steven Gallagher (Coventry, RI) in the top of the third. The Wildcats then took the 5-1 advantage following a two-out RBI walk by sophomore Rich Bourdeau (Pawtucket, RI) in the bottom of the frame.
The Engineers were able to pull within a run with three with two down in the fourth. Junior Benjamin Chaffee (Franklin, MA) scampered home on a wild pitch before senior Evan Lacroix (Methuen, MA) drove in a pair with a hit to left. Lombardi delivered a double to left center in the home half of the inning.
It remained 6-4 in favor of the Wildcats until sophomore Joe Maracic (Syosset, NY) lifted a sacrifice fly to right in the bottom of the seventh. Classmates Raimiel Rodriguez (Providence, RI) and Greenhalgh added RBI singles to begin a five-run eighth. Lombardi laced a 2-RBI triple to center and sophomore Will Fritz (Clinton, CT) made it an eight-run game with a productive ground out.
The Engineers loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the ninth. Sophomore David Larson (Port Tobacco, MD) then used the fourth consecutive WPI base hit to deliver a pair. The bases were re-loaded following a single to right by Chaffee; however a ground out ended the threat.
Chaffee paced the guests with three hits while Gallagher had two. All 11 of the Engineers hits were singles, including five in the ninth.
Lombardi was joined in the multi-hit club by Ballinger (triple), Greenhalgh and Maracic with two apiece. Senior Keith Grant (East Providence, RI) and junior James Smiegocki (Lambertville, NJ) combined to strikeout 11.
WPI (11-19) opens a three game set with Springfield on the road Friday at 3:30pm. The series shifts to the New England Baseball Complex Saturday beginning at noon. Johnson & Wales (17-12) hosts Framingham State Friday at 3pm.