Telegram & Gazette: "Ruggiero Helps Worcester State Notch Sweep"

Worcester, MA --- David Ruggiero (Peabody, MA) ripped a two-out RBI single to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning of the second game to help Worcester State walk off and sweep Framingham State, 9-4 and 6-5, in MASCAC baseball action this afternoon at the Lyons Diamond.

Ruggiero went a combined 5-for-8 on the afternoon including a pair of doubles and two RBI's in the first game. The junior also hurled the final one and 1/3 innings without allowing a hit and fanning a pair to pick up his first career winning decision on the mound in the nightcap.

With the victories the Lancers improve to 18-13 overall and 9-3 in conference play and now stand-alone in second place. The Rams drop to 17-15 on the year and 7-5 in league action and hold the third spot in the MASCAC.

With the score tied at one apiece in the bottom of the fourth of the finale, WSU put up a three-spot when freshman Adam Barry (Auburn, MA) cleared the bases with a double down the left field line for the 4-1 advantage.

The Blue and Gold added an insurance tally in the following frame when sophomore Steve Wallace (Auburn, MA) laid down a perfect squeeze to score junior Jeff Bolio (Oxford, MA) from third for the four run cushion.

However, Framingham State did not go down easy in the top of the seventh as senior Billy Derosier (Shrewsbury, MA) laced an RBI double to left field and junior John Gill (Hudson, MA) slapped a two-out run producing single to center cutting the deficit to two runs.

After a walk loaded the bases for the Rams another walk and a hit batsman tied the contest 5-5 before Ruggiero was able to bear down and get the next batter swinging to end the threat.

Worcester State went down in order in the bottom half of the seventh and Framingham State followed with the same in the top half of the eighth to set the stage for Ruggiero's clutch performance at the plate.

With two outs and runners standing at first and second Ruggiero wasted little time as he ripped the first pitch he saw through the five-six hole and into left field and freshman Dan McGuill (E. Longmeadow, MA) scampered home for the walk off victory.

Each team recorded 10 hits in the nightcap.

Junior Joe Perlak (Chicopee, MA) did not factor into the decision as he tossed the first six and 2/3 innings allowing five earned runs on 10 hits and recorded a career-high nine strikeouts for the Lancers.

Ram junior Zack Kirby (Rochester, MA) was dealt the loss as he went the distance surrendering all six runs (five earned) on 10 hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts. Kirby's record dropped to 1-4 in the setback.

In the opener, Worcester State snapped a scoreless game and put five runs on the board in the bottom of the second, highlighted by run producing singles from McGuill and Wallace and a two RBI double by Ruggiero.

Framingham State responded with a single score in the top of the third when Derosier knocked in a run with a base hit to right field for the 5-1 score.

The Blue and Gold tacked on a trio of runs in the fourth with RBI two-baggers from Ruggiero and Barry followed by a solo safety to plate a run by Bolio for the 8-1 advantage.

The Rams responded with a pair of their own in the top half of the fifth when junior Mark Mainini (Hull, MA) connected on a double to left center to plate two and cut into the deficit at 8-3.

Worcester State added an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth and a solo homer by senior Anthony Iafolla (Medfield, MA) in the top of the seventh contributed for the final score.

WSU outhit their opponents 12-9 in game one.

Junior Jared Kuzio (Franklin, MA) pitched his second complete game in a row giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits with three walks and three strikeouts to improve to 2-3 on the year.

Framingham State senior Matt DiCato (Winthrop, MA) fell to 2-4 with the setback after tossing the first five and 1/3 innings allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits with one walk and a pair of strikeouts.

Wallace finished the first contest 2-for-4 at the dish with an RBI and crossed home on two occasions while Bolio added a pair of hits to go along with a run driven in and a run scored.

Junior Cody Osburn (Sacramento, CA) finished the day with four singles on seven trips to the plate and scored a run. Barry aided with a trio of hits, four runs batted in and a run scored on the afternoon for the hosts.

Derosier turned in a 4-for-7 day with a pair of RBI's and a run scored to lead the way for the Rams. Mainini added three hits while knocking in a pair and scoring twice and sophomore RJ Gray (Lowell, MA) combined to go 3-for-8 with an RBI and run scored.

Worcester State returns to the diamond tomorrow night as they travel to Fisher for a 7 PM affair and Framingham State returns home Wednesday afternoon for a 3:30 PM contest against Rhode Island College.

Story By John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant

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