Keene, N.H.--Senior catcher Lucas Pierce (Chepachet, R.I.) went a combined 4-for-9 with a pair of homers, six RBI and three runs scored as Rhode Island College split a Little East doubleheader with Keene State (5-6; 6-3) at the Owl Athletic Complex on Friday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Keene State 6, 3; Rhode Island College 5, 6
Keene State (8-10, 1-1 LEC)
Rhode Island College (7-10, 1-3 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE
• The Owls put a run on the board in both the second and third innings, paced by a solo homer, to lead by a pair, 2-0.
 
• Fifth-year shortstop Izaiah Rivera (Pawtucket, R.I.) grounded out to first in the fourth, which brought in junior center fielder Lucas McElroy (Westport, Mass.), to cut the visitor's deficit to one run, 2-1.
 
• Three more runs from the Owls over the course of the fifth through seventh innings would put the hosts ahead by three, 5-1.
 
• A late Anchormen rally, off a grand slam by Pierce in the top of the eighth, tied the game at five apiece.
 
• Keene State ripped an RBI-double down the left field line for the game's deciding run in the bottom of the eighth.

• Sophomore reliever Jake Foster (Lincoln, R.I.) was dealt the loss (1-1).
 
GAME TWO
• The Anchormen would open the scoring in the top of the fourth with an RBI single from Rivera and an RBI double by fifth-year third baseman Cal Parillo (Greenville, R.I.).
 
• Pierce then hit a two-run shot in the fifth for his second home run in back-to-back games.
 
• Junior designated hitter Sean Gallagher (Warwick, R.I.) doubled in the same frame as RIC took a 5-0 lead.
 
• The Owls would get three runs back in the eighth, but it would not be enough to pose a threat for a comeback.
 
• Sophomore pitcher Jason Potvin (Tiverton, R.I.) notched his first win (1-0) of the season, striking out eight in 7.2 innings of work.
 
• The win stopped a seven-game losing streak for the Anchormen.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play at Gordon on Tuesday, April 1 (3 p.m.).