Box Score May 17, 2012
Box Score
Richmond, Va. -
Behind six strong innings from Alex Maffett and five runs scored from the bottom third of the line-up, the Richmond Spiders took down the Fordham Rams, 10-2, in the Atlantic 10 series opener at Pitt Field in Richmond, Virginia.
With the loss, Fordham falls to 22-32 on the year, 12-10 in the Atlantic 10, while Richmond moved to 25-24 overall, 12-10 in the league. The two teams are now in a four-way tie for the final two playoff spots along with Xavier and Massachusetts, while only a half game back of Saint Joseph's (12-9) for fourth place.
Fordham looked to get on the board quickly, registering a pair of hits in each of the first two innings, but could not scratch a run across in either frame.
Richmond would capitalize on its opportunities in the bottom of the second, scoring five times to take the lead. Chris Cowell opened the inning by reaching on an error, and moved to second on a single by Jacob Mayers. Following a sacrifice bunt and a walk, Ryan Mallory drew a walk to force in the first run of the game. Mike Small then singled to right to score Mayers for a 2-0 lead. The Spiders would score three more in the frame on a fielder's choice, a wild pitch, and a sacrifice fly for a 5-0 lead.
The Spiders expanded the lead to 8-0 in the third, as they chased Fordham starting pitcher Chris Pike from the game. With runners at first and third base, Adam Forrer singled home Cowell for a six-run edge. Another single loaded the bases, which was followed by an RBI-infield single from Matt Zink, ending Pike's outing at 2.2 innings. Jordan Grangard came in to relieve Pike, and issued a walk, which forced in another run to put the Richmond lead at 8-0.
Richmond continued to add to its lead in the fourth, scoring twice on an RBI-single by Mallory and an error to lead, 10-0.
Fordham scored its only runs of the game in the top of the sixth inning, as Stephen McSherry led off with a single and moved to third on a double by Brian Kownacki. Matthew Cianci was then hit by a pitch to load the bases. McSherry then scored on a fielder choice from Ryan Phelan, while Rob McCunney singled home Kownacki to make it, 10-2.
Pike (4-2) received the loss, allowing eight runs (six earned) on five hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched. Grangard did the job out of the bullpen, giving up two runs (one earned) on only one hit and three walks with three strikeouts in 5.1 innings of work.
At the plate, Ryan Maghini was 3-for-5 with a double, while McCunney was 2-for-4 with an RBI.
The same two teams will match-up for game two of the series at 2:00 PM on Friday.
