SOUTH KINGSTON, R.I. (Interstat) — Aidan Botti launched a walk-off home run to deep right field in the bottom of the ninth inning, giving Rhode Island a 6-5 victory over Fordham in an Atlantic 10 game Saturday afternoon at Bill Beck Field.

The Rams of Rhode Island evened the three-game series after dropping the opener Friday. Botti’s solo shot came with one out after Danny Leikus grounded out to third base, ending a back-and-forth contest that featured three ties and four lead changes.

Rhode Island struck first in the bottom of the second inning. A fielding error by Fordham third baseman Ford allowed King to reach base. After a strikeout, Leikus singled to shallow right, moving King to second. Botti grounded out to advance both runners, and Ryan Henschel delivered a two-run single through the left side, scoring King and Leikus. Henschel’s hit gave Rhode Island a 2-0 lead.

Fordham answered in the top of the third. Markey walked, stole second and scored on a double to deep center by Caden Young. The Rams of Fordham tied the game in the fourth when McAndrews doubled and later scored on an error by Rhode Island center fielder Moroney.

The visitors grabbed a 3-2 lead in the fifth. Markey again walked, stole second and moved to third on a groundout before scoring on a wild pitch.

Rhode Island responded with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. With one out, Moroney reached on an infield single and advanced to second on a throwing error. Hopko was intentionally walked, and King walked to load the bases. Connolly lifted a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Moroney. Leikus then doubled to left-center, driving in Hopko and King to put Rhode Island ahead 5-3.

Fordham countered in the top of the eighth. After a hit by pitch and two walks loaded the bases, Ocko walked to force in a run, and Dean walked to force in another, tying the game at 5-5. The inning ended on a groundout.

Both teams stranded runners in the eighth, and Fordham went quietly in the top of the ninth. In the bottom of the ninth, Leikus grounded out before Botti connected for the game-ending homer.

Jake Cullen started for Rhode Island and pitched five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs while striking out five. Chase Hanawalt started for Fordham and worked six innings, giving up four earned runs without allowing a hit and striking out five. Robbie Stewart threw 2-1/3 innings of relief for Fordham, yielding one earned run on no hits with two strikeouts.

For Rhode Island, Henschel went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Leikus finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Botti was 1-for-4 with the walk-off homer. Parker Aikens tossed a scoreless inning of relief, Connor Johnston retired the side in order, and Manny Santos allowed two earned runs over two innings. For Fordham, Young was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Fordham fell to 23-25 overall. Rhode Island improved to 19-26. The teams conclude the series Sunday.

Interstat’s game simulator projected an 8-5 Fordham win, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Rhode Island a 62.50 percent probability to win.