Doubleheader Split at Alumni Keeps the Bats Atop Standings
Keene rebounded to win Game 2 against the Waves.
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | x | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 2 |
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0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | x | 5 | 4 | 1 |
by Ryan Fitzpatrick
Game 1:
Despite a resilient rally, the SwampBats dropped Game 1 of the doubleheader against the OceanState Waves, falling 3–2 in a tight, seven-inning matchup.
The Waves struck first in the bottom of the 1st, scoring two runs off three hits—including RBI singles by Gavin Greger and Ryan Gerety—to take a quick 2–0 lead.
Keene battled back in the top of the 4th, when Ripken Reese (Kent St) delivered a clutch two-run homer, bringing home Xavier Perez (Houston) and tying the game at 2–2.
But OceanState answered in the bottom of the 5th. After a pair of walks and aggressive base running—including a double steal—Jack LaRose scored the go-ahead run on a groundout, putting the Waves ahead 3–2.
Keene finished with just 3 hits, most coming in big moments, but couldn't capitalize late.
Game 2:
The Bats bounced back strong in Game 2, riding Kyle Peters' (UConn) dominant start and timely hitting to a 5–2 win.
Peters worked 5.2 innings of sharp baseball, allowing just 2 earned runs on 5 hits while striking out 7 and walking only 1.
Keene struck in the bottom of the 2nd, when Nicholas Romano (Florida Atlantic) plated Ripken Reese with an RBI single to give Keene the early lead.
Then came the big inning: the 3rd. With the bases loaded, Ty Mainolfi (Boston Col) cleared them with a 3-RBI double, blowing the game open at 4–0.
Reese later scored again in the 5th, stealing second and coming around on an error after a Romano at-bat, padding the lead to 5–1. A combination of plate discipline and opportunistic baserunning kept Keene in control.
Jayden Barroqueiro (James Madison) came on in relief to close it out, pitching a clean 1.1 innings with 2 strikeouts and just one hit.
Even though OceanState out-hit the SwampBats 6–4, it was Keene who played the cleaner, more efficient game.
The SwampBats return home to face the Sanford Mainers as they look to build momentum off the Game 2 win. First pitch is scheduled for tomorrow night at Alumni Field at 6:35. It will be streamed on ESPN+.