OWLS DROP 9-5 DECISION TO RHODE ISLAND IN FLORIDA

The Temple Owls once again took a lead late into the game only to see Rhode Island erupt for five runs in the seventh inning to hand the Owls their fifth loss in six games down in Winter Park, Florida.

The Owls (1-5) got off and running early plating two runs in the home first. Fred Hilliard walked and was balked to second. Hilliard moved over to third on a single by Joe Lyall, who continues to swing a hot bat down in the sunshine state. Al Roach followed with an RBI single as Lyall moved to third. Following a strikeout, Keith Ramsey delivered a key two-out single to plate Lyall.

With the Owls trailing 3-2 in the bottom of the fifth, Hilliard singled but was forced at second on a fielders choice by Jim Tully. Lyall, who had three hits, doubled Tully to third. A poor pickoff throw ended in centerfield as Tully scored and Lyall moved up to third. Following a Roach walk, John Quigley was hit by a pitch loading the bases. Ramsey knocked in his second run of the game with a sacrifice fly but the inning ended when Quigley was caught stealing.

Loser tough luck loser, Brandon Bruno (0-3), was pitching well until the seventh when the Rams sent nine batters to the plate scoring five runs. The big hits in the inning were a two-run single by John Blaze and an RBI double by Mike Schiappa. Freshman Brian Stamm came in to put out the fire and finished up the game, giving up a run in the ninth.

The Owls scored a run in the bottom of the ninth but it wasn't enough. Catcher Jeff Roma doubled and later scored on a Lyall single.

Lyall had another solid outing going 3-for-5 with an RBI while Keith Ramsey went 2-for-2 with 2 RBI.

The Owls continue their Florida trip with a 7:00 p.m. game on Thursday night against Rollins College.

R.Island 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 9 11 1

Temple 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 5 9 2

WP: Frederick

LP: Brandon Bruno 0-3