The Rhode Island Rams baseball team lost to the Richmond Spiders, 6-1, in the opening game of a three-game series on March 27. The Rams struggled offensively against Richmond pitcher Chase Topolski, who delivered six shutout innings while allowing five hits and two walks.
The result leaves Rhode Island with a record of 7-17 overall and 3-4 in Atlantic 10 play. Richmond improved to an even record at 13-13 and now stands at 2-5 in conference games. The loss underscores ongoing challenges for the Rams as they left eight runners stranded and managed just one hit in nine opportunities with runners in scoring position.
Richmond built its lead steadily, scoring single runs in both the first and third innings before Sean Scanlon hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Scanlon drove in four of Richmond’s six runs during the game. Two additional runs scored by Richmond in the sixth inning put the game out of reach for Rhode Island.
Rhode Island’s only run came late, when Reece Moroney singled with two outs in the ninth inning to bring Ryan Thompson home after walks and a hit batter loaded the bases. However, any hopes for a comeback ended with a flyout on the next play.
Paul Calandrelli and Ryan Thompson each doubled for Rhode Island, while Jack Hopko contributed a single and was also hit by a pitch. Relief pitchers Connor Grotyohann and Will Creed each threw scoreless innings for Rhode Island.
Looking ahead, Rhode Island will face Richmond again on Saturday, March 28 at 1 p.m., as both teams continue their Atlantic 10 conference series.
