Temple University Athletics
RAMS SCORE SEVEN UNANSWERED RUNS TO SWEEP SERIES FROM OWLS
4.16.06 | Baseball
AMBLER, PA -- Rhode Island's Wayne Russo hit a two-run single in the eighth inning to snap a 4-4 tie and propel the Rams to the series sweep with a 7-4 victory over Temple on Sunday at Ambler Field. The Owls opened up a 4-0 advantage after five innings but couldn't hold on to the lead. Junior Dan Brady and freshman Carmen Del Mastro each had two hits, while sophomore Tom Dolan allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings.
It was fitting that Russo provided the game-winner, as the second baseman hit .571 with six RBI in the three game series. Senior Tim Andrel came into a tough spot in the eighth, with runners on the corners and no outs. After inducing consecutive fielder's choices, the right-hander looked like he would bail the hosts out of trouble. But Russo came through with a single up the middle that plated the go-ahead runs.
Dolan, who rebounded nicely from his shortest outing of the year last weekend at Fordham, was credited with the no-decision despite keeping the potent Ram offense at bay. The Rams finished the series with 31 runs and 47 hits, but Dolan was effective with a tailing fastball and a hard slider and put the Owls in position for the win.
The Owls got on the board early, putting up three runs off URI (21-6, 9-2 A-10) starter Adam Perkins in the first. Freshman Jamie Abercrombie led off with a walk and moved to second on sophomore Frank Nunan's single. Brady, freshman Lenny DelGrippo and freshman Pat Riley followed with RBI singles to give TU a 3-0 lead after one.
Temple added another run in the fifth as sophomore Devon Swope doubled home Brady, who singled with two outs.
From that point on, it was all Rhody. The Rams scored seven unanswered runs, including two unearned in the sixth as a dropped fly-ball allowed the visitors to get on the board. A two-run triple by Zach Zaneski off reliever Rob Licata tied the score in the sixth.
The Cherry and White sent the tying run to the plate in the ninth after a Ram error kept the game alive, but a groundout sent TU to defeat for the 18th time in its last 20 games.
Brett Palanski (2-2) earned the win by throwing four shutout innings of relief for Rhode Island. He allowed just one hit and struck out six. Licata (1-3) suffered the loss for Temple.
The Owls (7-26, 1-11) are back on the diamond on Tuesday in a non-conference tilt against Towson at Ambler Field. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. Live statistics will be available via owlsports.com.
