Recap by student-staff writer Rich Rosa 

ALBANY, N.Y. (4/23/2024) — After losing the first two games against St. Rose two days prior, Franklin Pierce returned to Bob Bellizzi Field Tuesday afternoon and picked up a big 20-10 win. 

Score: Franklin Pierce 20, St. Rose 10 
Records: Franklin Pierce (21-13, 14-6 NE-10), St. Rose (17-17, 11-8 NE-10)   
Location: Albany, N.Y (Bob Bellizzi Field)   
Date: Tuesday, April 23, 2024      

HOW IT HAPPENED:   
• The Ravens had an eight-run first inning. Sophomore outfielder Joey Acker (Upton, MA) hit a two-run home run to center field for his third home run of the season to make it 2-0 Franklin Pierce. Senior outfielder Hunter Wilichoski (Hamilton, MA) had an RBI single, scoring junior infielder Kiobel Lugo (Boston, MA) to give the Ravens a 3-0 lead. Next, graduate catcher Christopher Roberti (New Fairfield, CT) had a 2 RBI double, scoring Wilichoski and sophomore first baseman Nolan DeAndrade (Bridgewater, MA). Then, junior infielder Julien Monks (Pace, France) had an RBI single, scoring Roberti. Graduate outfielder Eli Battipaglia (Cheshire, CT) finished it off with a two-run home run to give Franklin Pierce an 8-0 lead over St. Rose. 

• Franklin Pierce poured in six more runs in the second inning. Wilichoski had an RBI single for his second hit of the game, scoring graduate infielder Ian Battipaglia (Cheshire, CT) to give the Ravens a 9-1 cushion. Senior infielder Connor Smalley (West Sayville, NY) drew a walk, and Lugo scored from third base to give the Ravens a 10-1 lead. Then, Roberti hit a three-run blast to left field for his fourth home run of the season to make it 14-1 Franklin Pierce. 

• In the top of the fourth, Ian Battipaglia had an RBI single, scoring his brother, Eli, to make it 15-3 Ravens. In the top of the fifth, Monks had a 2 RBI double, scoring Smalley and Wilichoski to give Franklin Pierce a 17-6 lead. Then, Lugo had a 2 RBI double, scoring Acker and Monks to make it 19-6. 

• In the top of the seventh, Ian Battipaglia filed out to center field, and his brother Eli scored from third base to make it 20-7. The Ravens improved to 21-13 on the season. 

• Sophomore pitcher Kyle Salvati (Mount Sinai, NY) got the start and pitched four innings. He gave up eight hits, four runs, two walks, and struck out seven batters. Senior pitcher Tyler McDonald (Haverhill, MA) came in relief, pitched three innings, and picked up his first win of the season. He gave up two hits, one run, and struck out four batters. Junior pitcher Stephen Bangs (Stoughton, MA) and freshman pitcher Jamie Legget (Southington, CT) both pitched an inning to close out the game.

NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Franklin Pierce Ravens head to Rocheleau Field in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Saturday, April 27, for a doubleheader against the Assumption Greyhounds. Game one is at noon, followed by game two at 3 p.m.