Providence, R.I.--Senior shortstop Izaiah Rivera (Pawtucket, R.I.) ripped a walk-off, three-run home run to cap a seven-run bottom of the ninth as Rhode Island College came from behind in its last at-bat to defeat Clark, 15-14, at Pontarelli Field on Thursday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 15, Clark 14
Rhode Island College (8-3)
Clark (13-2)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Cougars jumped all over the Anchormen and built a 10-0 advantage after four innings.
 
• The hosts put one across in the bottom of the fourth and scored three in the fifth, thanks to a two-run homer by junior first baseman Daniel Trzepacz (Mont Vernon, N.H.) and an RBI double from sophomore left fielder Daniel Cascio (East Hampton, Conn.).
 
• Clark stifled RIC's comeback bid with four runs in the top of the seventh and looked to end the game early via the 10-run rule. However, the Cougars walked the bases loaded in the bottom of the frame and freshman second baseman Edwin Silverio (Cranston, R.I.) and classmate third baseman Parker Camelo (Bristol, R.I.) were issued free passes to plate a pair as part of a three-run outburst.
 
• The Anchormen pulled within six, 14-8, on a senior designated hitter Cole Podedworny (Wakefield, R.I.) RBI single in the eighth.
 
• RIC loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth on two walks and a hit batsman. A throwing error on a Trzepacz grounder allowed on run to score. Senior right fielder Sean Helfrich (Saunderstown, R.I.) hit in RBI single to center field and Podedworny followed with a two-run double to right center to pull RIC within a pair, 14-12. Rivera then ripped a 1-0 pitch over the right field fence to win the game.
 
• Freshman reliever Cameron Early (Worcester, Mass.) earned the win (1-0).
 
• Clark graduate reliever Casey Gorczyca (Boonton, N.J.) took the loss (2-1).
 
• The game was played in extremely cold and windy weather, which took its toll on each team's pitchers. The two squads combined for 26 walks and four hit batsmen.
 
• Cascio went 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored. Rivera went 2-for-6 with three RBI and three runs scored.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will open Little East play with a doubleheader at home vs. Keene State on Friday, March 22 (noon).