FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 5, 2009

WESTERN CONNECTICUT DEFEATS
 RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE, 18-7

Providence, RI—Western Connecticut scored 14 runs over the final four innings to down Rhode Island College, 18-7, in Little East Conference baseball action on Sunday afternoon at Anchorman Field. The Colonials raise their record to 9-10 overall and 2-1 in the LEC, while the Anchormen fall to 15-8 overall and 1-4 in league action.

The Colonials took a 4-0 lead in the top of the second, paced by a sophomore third baseman Jeff Gordon (Milford, CT) sacrifice fly and an RBI single from senior catcher Rob Bedard (Uncasville, CT).

 Senior Third Baseman Jeff Costa

The Anchormen tied the game with four runs of their own in the third. Senior third baseman Jeff Costa (Pawtucket, RI) and sophomore first baseman Gary Levesque (East Providence, RI) each belted two-run homers in the frame.

RIC took is only lead of the game with two runs in the fifth on a freshman left fielder Mike Nadiger (Warwick, RI) two-run single to make the score 6-4. The advantage was short-lived, however, as the Colonials quickly regained the lead with three runs in the sixth. Junior right fielder Dan Amarante (Cheshire, CT) contributed an RBI fielder’s choice, while classmate shortstop Sam McNeil (Gales Ferry, CT) and Bedard registered RBI singles

WestConn kept up the offensive pressure with five runs in the seventh and three more in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Senior reliever Alex Zancan (Danbury, CT) earned his second win (2-0) of the season, allowing one earned run on seven hits, to go along with six strikeouts, in 5.1 innings. RIC junior starter Paul Vatter (Warwick, RI) took the loss (2-1).

Bedard went 4-for-6 with four RBI, while Gordon scored four runs. Levesque belted two homers, going 3-for-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.

 Sophomore First Baseman Gary Levesque

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play at Bridgewater State tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

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