Bronx, N.Y. – (May 4, 2025) – The Fordham Rams couldn't have asked for more out of starting pitcher
Ameer Hasan, holding the Rhode Island Rams off the scoreboard for the first six innings. However, URI found its way against the Fordham bullpen, scoring eight runs over the final three innings and holding off a late Fordham rally for an 8-7 win at Houlihan Park on Sunday.
With the game scoreless in the fourth inning, Fordham took an opening 5-0 lead in the bottom of the frame.
Andrew Kanellis led off with a single to the left side, followed by a two-run home run by
Anthony Grabau, his sixth of the season. Later in the inning, Fordham loaded the bases and picked up an RBI-single by
Taylor Kirk and a two-run single by
Daniel Bucciero.
The score stayed that way until the seventh, when Rhode Island loaded the bases with one out. Rob Butler drew a walk that forced in a run, while a ground ball knocked in another to make it, 5-2.
URI then struck for the big inning in the eighth, scoring six times for an 8-5 advantage. With runners at second and third with one out, Nic Notarangelo drew a walk to load the bases. Scott Penney followed with a grand slam home run to center, his sixth of the year. Anthony DePino hit a two-run home run to right later in the inning, his 16
th of the season, to extend the lead.
Fordham would get baserunners aboard in the eight and ninth innings.
Cian Sahler led off with a double in the eighth, but ended up stranded at third base.
Madden Ocko drew a walk to start the ninth and came home on a two-run home run by Bucciero, his eighth of the season, making it, 8-7.
The home run for Bucciero was a historic one, as he joined Bobby Kingsbury (2000-02) as the only two Rams to have 100 runs scored, 40 doubles, 20 home runs, 100 RBI, and 50 stolen bases in their career.
Fordham unfortunately was unable to get any closer, as Brandon Hsu recorded the final three outs for his first save of the season.
The late inning rally spoiled a fantastic effort from Fordham's
Ameer Hasan, who received a no-decision, allowing two runs on five hits with three strikeouts over 6.1 innings of work.
Koen Smith (2-3) took the loss, allowing four runs on two hits in just a third of an inning. At the plate, Bucciero was 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI, while
Matt Dieguez went 3-for-5 with a run scored and a stolen base.
Fordham will next be in action on Friday, May 9
th for a 6:00 PM home contest against Dayton.
