KINGSTON, R.I. -- The UMass Lowell River Hawks battled back late, but ultimately came up short, dropping both ends of a double header to the University of Rhode Island Rams, 4-0 and 5-2, Sunday at Bill Beck Field.
 
"It was another tough day," commented head coach Ken Harring. "We competed hard but the outcomes weren't what we were looking for. Our pitching was solid, but as a team, we aren't hitting to our capabilities. We will get back to work this week and prepare for Northeastern."

The River Hawks (0-6) offense was stymied to start the day, unable to generate anything of substance against Rhode Island's Mike Webb. The day started promisingly, as junior Robert Gallagher (Mullica Hill, N.J.) led off the game with a single and promptly stole second, but Webb struck out the next three River Hawks and it was not until the game's final frame that another River Hawk advanced past first base.
 
The Rams scored single runs in the first and second innings, before chasing UMass Lowell starter junior Matt Draper (Lowell, Mass.) (0-2) in the fifth. After junior Sal Fusco (Colonie. N.Y.) came out of the River Hawk bullpen, a double steal and two-out single by Xavier Vargas, pushed the deficit to four. 
 
UMass Lowell threatened in the top of the seventh, as they put two on with two outs, but Webb ultimately got out of the jam to hand the River Hawks a 4-0 defeat. 
 
The River Hawks jumped out an early lead in the second inning of the second game, manufacturing a run after three consecutive singles loaded the bases to start the frame. A double play would quiet a potential big inning, but stake UMass Lowell to an early lead.
 
The Rams answered quickly in the bottom half of the inning, following a lead-off triple by Vargas, then took the lead in the sixth inning on a run-scoring single, with Vargas again delivering.
 
A River Hawks rally in the eighth tied the score at two, with freshman Jimmy Sullivan (East Hampton, Conn.) bringing in junior Gerry Siracusa (Kinnelon, N.J.), who doubled with one out, on a two-out single to left.
 
The Rams responded however, taking advantage of a leadoff walk. After Henry Funaro (Lowell, Mass.) entered the game, a stolen base and single down the right field line gave Rhode Island the lead. They would tack on a pair of insurance runs for what would hold as a 5-2 final. 
 
Junior Josh Becker (Burlington, Mass.) got the no-decision in Game Two, but was stellar for the River Hawks, allowing just two runs on four hits. He struck out six over seven innings. Cam Seguin (0-1) was the pitcher of record, walking the only batter he faced.
 
The River Hawks non-conference schedule continues this coming weekend with a three-game set against Northeastern. First pitch on Friday is 2 p.m. from Friedman Diamond.