Eagles let one slip away in 6-4 loss to Rhode Island

In a game that featured an hour-plus lightning delay, the Rams used a three-run sixth to erase a slim BC lead and split the season series.

On a rain-soaked day in Brighton, Boston College squared off against regional foe Rhode Island for the second time this season. The first game was a tightly contested, come-from-behind 6-4 win for the Eagles back in early March. Wednesday’s contest was one that was just as competitive as the first, and featured an hour long rain-delay, a Friday night starter on the hill, and plenty of talk between the two dugouts.

 This time around, however, it was the Rams who were able to come away with the win as they outlasted the Eagles, 6-4. BC (15-19) dropped just its second midweek game of the season, and continues to need to tune some things up as the end of the season is rapidly approaching. Meanwhile, Rhode Island (14-15-1) had to be pleased after a win in which it clawed its way back and ultimately took down an ACC opponent. 

MOMENT’S THAT MATTERED:

Pelio’s Return: Mason Pelio started a midweek game for the first time this season, as he returned to the team after being scratched for last week’s series at Florida State. Things did not go Pelio’s way, though, as he gave up three straight hits to start the game. The last of which, a Sonny Ulliana double to left, would drive in two, giving the Rams an early 2-0 lead. 

His day would end after the first as it was merely a tuneup for a start this Saturday when No. 10 Notre Dame comes to town. Pelio was feeding fastballs to the Rhode Island hitters in an attempt to get back in his rhythm ahead of this weekend’s series. All things considered, it was a productive outing for Pelio whose final line in one inning of work was three hits and two runs on 27 pitches. 

“He got out of quarantine yesterday,” head coach Mike Gambino said. “After that extended break, it was good that we were able to get him in there to see live batters ahead of his start on Saturday.”

Midweek Mancini: After starting last Friday against Florida State, BC right-hander Joe Mancini worked the middle innings for the Eagles. Mancini was nearly perfect, as he allowed just one hit over three frames to keep the Rams at two runs. Mancini was working early and often in the count, attacking Rhode Island hitters with his low-90’s fastball and sharp curveball. The key for Mancini on Wednesday was his ability to locate multiple pitches for strikes, keeping the Rams’ lineup off balance. 

Mancini’s role has grown over the last couple of weeks as he has seen consistent action both in the midweek and the occasional weekend game. If the junior is able to continue to pound the zone and locate his pitches effectively, he may find himself back into a prime weekend role next year. 

“Joe threw the ball great, had three pitches going, and his stuff was really, really good,” Gambino said. “He is turning himself into a go-to guy—you saw that with the spot start against FSU. We plan on using him in some big spots this weekend.”

Another big late inning: After Mancini and fellow reliever Joe Vetrano combined to put up four straight scoreless frames, the Rams’ offense came alive again in the top of the sixth. Rhode Island first baseman Xavier Vargas led off the top half of the inning with a single. He would then score on an RBI triple by Mark Coley on a ball that just skipped past Sal Frelick’s glove and rolled to the centerfield wall. 

With the score knotted at three apiece and rain pouring down, Vetrano’s command slipped, and the Eagles lost the lead. After a walk, Rams’ catcher Jordan Laske laced a ball to BC third baseman Vince Cimini. Playing on the cut of the grass, Cimini made an attempt to nab Coley as he dashed to the plate. Cimini’s throw would end up to be just a little late, as Coley was able to slide in safely to give Rhode Island the lead. 

After another Vetrano walk, the Rams would push their lead to 5-3 on another fielder’s choice. Gambino turned to Charlie Coon in a big spot to try and hold the Rams to just three runs. It didn’t take long for Coon, as his first pitch was lined into the glove of Jack Cunningham to end the inning there.

Eagles’ bats quiet down the stretch: Rhode Island used five different pitchers on Wednesday, each going no more than three innings. The effort was led by Vitaly Jangols, who allowed just two hits and one run in three innings of work. After scoring in each of the first three innings, the Eagles were stymied for the remainder of the contest. 

BC left nine men on base, including the potential game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth.  Although they did not have any overpowering stuff, the Rhode Island staff was able to give BC fits by using pitchers with varying arm angles and mixing up their looks while still being able to throw strikes. For an under .500 A-10 team that had its last seven games canceled, it was an incredibly impressive day for its pitching staff. 

What’s Next: The Eagles will look to rebound this weekend as long-time rival Notre Dame comes to town. The top-10 Fighting Irish have used an impressive showing in conference play—they’re 16-7 in the ACC—to garner plenty of national recognition. This series is a must-win for the Eagles if they are to have any shot of playing in the ACC Championship, let alone reach the NCAA Tournament. The series will kick-off Friday, and all three games will be streamed on ACC Network Extra.

Images courtesy of Boston College Athletics