Kingston, R.I. – A three-run fourth inning rally by the University of Rhode Island Rams was too much for the UMass Lowell River Hawks (0-4), who suffered a 3-1 setback Saturday afternoon at Bill Beck Field.

"Overall, we just need to tighten some things up," commented head coach Ken Harring. "Offensively, when we get the first big hit of the year, it will loosen guys up. We will stick together and keep competing."

The River Hawks jumped out to an early lead, manufacturing a run in the third. After two quick outs, junior Robert Gallagher (Mullica Hill, N.J.) worked a walk, stole second and came around to score on a single down the right-field line by sophomore Keagan Calero (Rochester, N.Y.), putting UMass Lowell up, 1-0.
 
After holding the Rams to just one hit through four innings, red-shirt senior Collin Duffley (Manchester, N.H.) got into trouble in the fifth. After recording a quick out to start the fame, the next two Rams reached base. After a wild pitch pushed both men into scoring position, back-to-back singles by Josh Brodeur and Jordan Laske gave the Rams the lead. Rhode Island would tack on an insurance run on a run-scoring groundout, ending the inning with the River Hawks facing a 3-1 deficit.  
 
Though UMass Lowell got the leadoff man on in both the sixth and seventh inning, they were unable to muster a comeback. 
 
Gallagher (two walks, run scored), senior Vinnie Martin (Lodi, N.J.) (1-for-3, walk) and junior Gerry Siracusa (Kinnelon, N.J.) (2-for-3) each reached twice for the River Hawks, with Calero's RBI single accounting for the lone UMass Lowell run.
 
Duffley (0-2) went six for the River Hawks, suffering the loss. He struck out a season-best nine, scattering five hits. Making his collegiate debut, freshman Zach Fortuna (Newburyport, Mass.) gave the River Hawks a chance at the comeback with 1.2 scoreless, allowing just one hit. 
 
The two teams will complete the weekend series with a Sunday doubleheader. First pitch from Bill Beck Field is set for 11 a.m.