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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The bats weren't quiet Wednesday as Ripon took on Rhode Island, continuing their string of spring games. The two teams combined for 30 runs in their doubleheader, which they ended up splitting. Rhode Island College won the first contest 11-6, but Ripon came back to win the second 7-6.
Rhode Island College didn't waste any time swinging the lumber, recording a single and triple in their first two at-bats of the game, giving them a 1-0 lead with no outs. Things would only get worse for the Red Hawks. Rhode Island added three more hits in the inning, including another run-scoring double, as they scored five runs in the opening inning.
RIC added another run in the second, before Ripon got on the board behind a two out, 2 RBI double by Chevy Schultz. That momentum wouldn't last long. Rhode Island scored three more times in the third, and once more in the fourth, giving them an eight-run lead, and plenty of breathing room.
The Red Hawks fought valiently, scoring three runs in the final frame, but Rhode Island was too much to overcome in the first game. Schultz, Chad Olson, John Dunlavy each finished the game with two hits to lead the Red Hawks, who hit four doubles and three triples in the game.
Game two started out much like the first game, with Rhode Island getting on the board first. The Anchormen scored four times in the top of the fourth inning to break a scoreless tie. However, unlike the first game, the Red Hawks had an answer for Rhode Island. Ripon scored four runs of their own in the bottom half of the fourth to tie things up.Mac Shumann and Bryant Bullock each recorded an RBI in the inning, while Alex Duros recorded two on a double to leftfield.
Rhode Island wouldn't back down though, as they scored two runs in the fifth, taking a 6-4 lead on three consecutive two-out singles. Just like the previous inning, Ripon would have an answer, matching those two runs with three of their own. Down by one with two outs, Duros decided to repeat his feat from an inning earlier. He once again doubled to rightfield, scoring Shumann and Will Gillis. Gillis' run proved to be the game winner, as each team held the other scoreless for the final two innings.
Schultz, Shumann, and Duros all had two hits in three at-bats to lead the way in game two. Duros' 4 RBI are the most in a game by a Red Hawk this season. Matt Dwyer got the win for Ripon, pitching all seven innings, giving up six runs on eight hits and striking out four.
The Red Hawks will continue their play in Florida on Thursday, as they'll go up against Mount St. Joseph. That doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. EST at Florida College in Tampa, Fla.
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