Recap by student-staff writer Luke Tracy
RINDGE, N.H (3/29/2024) – The Franklin Pierce University Ravens dropped their first home game of the season Friday afternoon in a 13-11 loss to the Falcons of Bentley University.
Score: Franklin Pierce 11, Bentley 13
Records: Franklin Pierce (9-9, 3-2 NE-10), Bentley (16-6, 2-0 NE-10)
Location: Rindge, N.H (Pappas Field)
Date: Friday, March 29, 2024
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Franklin Pierce scored three runs in the first inning. Graduate infielder Ian Battipaglia (Cheshire, CT) had an RBI single, scoring graduate outfielder Eli Battipaglia (Cheshire, CT). Junior transfer infielder Kiobel Lugo (Boston, MA) had an RBI double, scoring Ian Battipaglia. Senior outfielder Hunter Wilichoski (Hamilton, MA) had an RBI single, scoring Lugo to make it 3-0.
• Bentley scored 12 unanswered runs, including four home runs. The rally began in the top of the third when sophomore infielder Tommy Bolton hit a solo home run to left field.
• In the bottom of the sixth, the Ravens scored five unanswered runs to cut the Falcons' lead to four. This was highlighted by freshman infielder Devin Kulas (Southington, CT) getting his career hit as a member of the Ravens. It was a two-RBI single, scoring Eli Battipaglia.
• In the top of the eighth, senior infielder Tyler Gonzalez singled to center field, scoring Bolton to give the Falcons a 13-8 cushion. In the bottom of the ninth, Kulas got his second hit of the afternoon, scoring Ian Battipaglia and sophomore outfielder Joey Acker (Upton, MA) to make it 13-11.
• The Falcons held on to win 13-11, improving to 16-6 on the season and remaining undefeated in NE-10 conference play.
BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:
• Senior pitcher Kyle Roche (Braintree, MA) pitched five innings and picked up his second loss of the season. He gave up nine hits, nine runs, four home runs, and struck out nine batters. Senior pitcher Sean Foody (Tappan, NY) came in relief and pitched 0.2 innings. He gave up two hits, three runs, three walks, and struck out one batter. Freshman pitcher Jamie Legget (Southington, CT) finished the game and pitched 3.1 innings. He gave up three hits, one run, two walks and struck out two batters.
• Franklin Pierce outhit Bentley 15-14.
• Ian Battipaglia was three for five, with two RBIs, and scored four runs. Kulas was two for three with four RBIs.
NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens conclude the weekend series against Bentley tomorrow, March 30th, at Pappas Field in Rindge, New Hampshire. Game one is at noon, followed by game two at 3:30 p.m.
