Box Score

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The University of Rhode Island posted three runs in the top of the eighth inning to overtake Fairfield, 4-3, this afternoon at Chain of Lakes Field. The Rams, who were coming off an upset of No. 8 Miami on Wednesday, won their fifth-straight to improve to 6-2 while the Stags (0-5) were left seeking their first win.

Fairfield got on the board first as junior Jason Rago (Fairfield, Conn.) scored on a Mike Joyce (Smithtown, N.Y.) double to left center in the bottom of the second inning. The Rams tied the score in the top of the sixth but the Stags regained the lead in the bottom of the frame as Rago delivered a double to left center scoring Tucker Nathans (Warwick, N.Y.).

In the top of the eighth, the Rams took advantage of a Stags throwing error and tied the score 2-2 with one out. URI's Rob Deveney then stepped to plate and punched a two-run double down the left field line to give the Rams a 4-2 lead.

Fairfield loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the eighth. Chris Horning (Potomac, Md.) was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning while rookie Mark Skrapits (Bronx, N.Y.) followed with a single. Rookie Ryan Furbeck (Oakland, N.J.) then beat out a bunt to load them up for the Stags. Junior Matt Tiagwad (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) grounded into a double play but pushed Horning across the plate to pull the Stags within 4-3. Rhode Island, however, was able to stave off Fairfield for the win.

Rookie Sam Robertson (Ridgefield, Conn.) received the no-decision after a solid day on the mound. In his first collegiate start, he allowed just one run on one hit and five walks while striking out seven batters in five and a third innings of work. Senior Dan Gallagher (Allendale, N.J.) took the loss after allowing two runs in the eighth. Ken Graveline gave up two hits in one and a third innings for the win while senior Luke Demko came on in the eighth and pitched two complete innings to earn his second save.

Rago went 2-for-4 on the day while Joyce went 2-for-3.

Fairfield has a rematch with Maine on March 6 and wraps up its stay in Florida against Bowling Green on Saturday.