Farmingdale State - 4, RPI - 2

Farmingdale, N.Y. - Farmingdale State scored three runs in the first inning en route to a 4-2 victory over RPI in the 2013 Spring Classic this afternoon. The Rams improved to 3-5 on the season, while the Engineers fell to 0-1.

Sophomore second baseman Tom Rydzewski (Franklin Square, N.Y.) led off the bottom of the first with a double down the left field line and advanced to third on a bunt single by sophomore left fielder Mike Scarlato (Holbrook, N.Y.). After Mike Marino (Franklin Square, N.Y.) was hit by a pitch to load the bases, sophomore designated hitter Ryan Levine (West Babylon, N.Y.) hit a 2 RBI single up the middle to give Farmingdale State a 2-0 lead. The Rams increased their lead to 3-0 on an RBI single to left field by freshman third baseman Jorge Ruiz (Shirley, N.Y.).

In the bottom of the sixth, Farmingdale State increased the advantage to 4-0 on a Ruiz RBI single to shortstop which scored Terrence Bohonan (Patchogue, N.Y.)

RPI senior first baseman Chuck Erickson (Mansfield, Mass.) cut the deficit in half with a 2 RBI ground rule double in the top of the ninth inning. Farmingdale State junior pitcher Chris Dragone (Hicksville, N.Y.) forced the final two outs in relief to cap off the 4-2 victory.

Junior starting pitcher James Powers (Jamesport, N.Y.) earned the win after tossing five hitless innings with eight strikeouts.

Levine was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, while Rydzewski had two hits and a run scored. Ruiz was 2-for-3 at the plate with two runs batted in for the Rams.

Farmingdale State will host #1 Wheaton College tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.

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