HAMDEN, Conn. (Interstat) — The Rhode Island Rams erupted for 11 runs over the final four innings to turn a close game into a rout, defeating the Quinnipiac Bobcats 17-5 in non-conference baseball Tuesday at Quinnipiac Baseball Field.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded in the evening, was a stark departure from the pregame projections. Interstat’s game simulator had forecast a tight 6-5 Rhode Island victory, but the Rams’ offense exploded late to secure their second straight win and even both teams’ records near the .500 mark. Rhode Island improved to 7-15, while Quinnipiac fell to 7-14.

For six innings, the contest was a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and strong relief pitching. Rhode Island scratched out three unearned runs in the second inning, capitalizing on a Quinnipiac error, while the Bobcats’ only answer was a solo home run by Caden Williamson down the left field line in the third.

The most important part of the game arrived in the top of the sixth inning, with Rhode Island clinging to a 3-1 lead. The Rams broke it open decisively, sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring six runs on four hits, three walks, and a critical Quinnipiac error. The rally included a two-run double by Paul Calandrelli, a two-run single by Reece Moroney, and an RBI walk by Ryan Henschel. The inning stretched the lead to 9-1 and effectively put the game out of reach.

Rhode Island added two more in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Moroney and piled on six runs in the ninth inning, highlighted by a two-run single from Brian Connolly and a two-run error that allowed Paul Calandrelli to reach base. Calandrelli finished with three RBIs, while Adonis Medina and Derek Maceda each had two of Rhode Island’s 12 hits.

The Rams’ bullpen was dominant through the middle innings, silencing the Bobcats’ bats. After starter Connor Grotyohann pitched two hitless innings, relievers Dorsy Asencio, Will Creed, Sam Houchens, and Nicholas Worthington combined for five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits while striking out six. Quinnipiac managed only five hits total, with four coming in a futile ninth-inning rally against mop-up duty.

In the bottom of the ninth, already down 17-1, Quinnipiac’s Christian Smith hit a two-run homer, his first of the game, and Matt Park added an RBI double to create the final margin.

Rhode Island next hosts Bryant on Wednesday. Quinnipiac travels to face Connecticut on Wednesday.