Owls and Rams Split Baseball Twinbill

GAME # 22 - MARCH 31, 2001 vs. RHODE ISLAND

The Temple Owls (7-15-0, 4-0) used the long ball in defeating Rhode Island

(13-8, 0-1) at Erny Field in the first game of a doubleheader, 16-3. Three

doubles and three home runs were part of a 12-hit attack as the Owls stayed

unbeaten in Atlantic 10 play.

The Owls broke open a close game by plating six runs in both the fourth and

fifth innings that aided Jeff Rugg (3-2), who picked up his third win of the

season. The senior went the distance, picking up his second complete game

victory.

In the Owls six-run fourth, senior Chris Krusen blasted a two-run homer to

left and junior Rob Cucinotta followed that with a solo shot. Mike Jenkins hit

a two-run homer in the fifth as the Owls plated six runs for the second

consecutive inning.

Third baseman Kyle Sweppenhiser led the Owls with four RBI, while Chris

Krusen and Mike Jenkins knocked in three each. Jeff Roma was a perfect 3-3 at

the plate.

R. Island 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 9 2

Temple 0 4 0 6 6 0 X 16 12 0

WP - J. Rugg 3-2

LP - D. Pearce 2-3

GAME # 23 - MARCH 31, 2001 vs. RHODE ISLAND

The Rhode Island Rams (14-8-0, 1-1) scored two runs in the top of the sixth

to defeat the Temple Owls (7-16-0, 4-1), ending their six-game winning streak.

As darkness set in, the Rams plated the tying and winning runs on their

last at-bats. Three hits, including the game-winner by Jared Trout off reliver

Mike Caron, gave Rhode Island their first Atlantic 10 win of the year, while

Skip Wilson's club lost in the A-10 for the first time after four victories.

Alan Birnbrauer (1-4) was the tough luck loser, while Reid Willett (3-2)

picked up the win.

The Owls would put two on in the final frame, but Jon Scullin would come in

to get the final out and close out the victory for Frank Leone's ballclub.

The Owls Rob Cucinotta had two hits, including a home run while Kyle

Sweppenhiser also homered for the Owls.

R. Island 0 2 0 0 0 2 - 4 8 0

Temple 1 0 2 0 0 0 - 3 6 1

WP - R. Willett 3-2

LP - A. Birnbrauer 1-4

Save - J. Scullin 2

Temple University Athletics