PROVIDENCE, RI – Five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning helped the Johnson & Wales University baseball team preserve the victory on Wednesday. The Wildcats defeated WPI, 12-6.

Records:
WPI: 11-19
Johnston & Wales: 17-12

Statistical Leaders:
Tim Lombardi (JWU): 3-5, 2 R, 4 RBI
Colby Greenhalgh (JWu): 2-4, 3 R, 2 RBI
Benjamin Chaffee (WPI): 3-5, 1 R

Of Note:
Aggressive base running led to JWU's three runs in the first inning. Raimiel Rodriguez and Colby Greenhalgh both stole second and moved up to third on a wild pitch. Rodriguez scored on Greenhalgh's single then Greenhalgh crossed the plate on Tim Lombardi's ground out.

Both of JWU's runs in the second and third innings came with the bases loaded and the ball did not leave the infield. Vin Amalfitano got an infield single in the second to score Joe Maracic then Rich Bourdeau drew a bases loaded walk to plate Will Fritz.

The Engineers took advantage of what could have been the third out in the top of the fourth. Jordan DeDonato scored on a wild pitch then Evan Lacroix delivered a two-run single that scored Chas DeWitt and Ryan Tropeano to cut the JWU lead to 5-4.

A two-run Lombardi triple highlighted a five-run eighth inning by the Wildcats. JWU needed the runs as the Engineers got a pair of runs back on a two-run David Larson single. James Smiegocki got the final out with the bases loaded for his first collegiate save.

Up Next:
Johnson & Wales is back at home on Friday to take on Framingham State at 3 p.m. It's the team's Striking Out Cancer game with the Wildcats raising money for the Rhode Island chapter of Pink Heels.