KINGSTON, R.I. (Interstat) — Rhode Island beat VCU 5-4 Friday afternoon in an Atlantic 10 baseball game. The Rams improved to 26-29 overall; VCU dropped to 34-23. Rhode Island tallied seven hits while VCU had nine, but the home team made the most of its opportunities.

Rhode Island got strong pitching from Joe Sabbath and Evan Maloney, with Sabbath earning the decision. The Rams rallied in the middle innings to overcome an early deficit. Right fielder Jack Hopko and catcher Danny Leikus supplied key hits, and shortstop Reece Moroney also contributed. For VCU, starter Cooper Campbell and reliever Hunter Gotschall saw action. Third baseman Nate Kirkpatrick, designated hitter Teige Lethert and shortstop Dante DeFranco led the visiting offense.

The victory snapped a two-game skid for Rhode Island, which had lost three of its previous four. Rhode Island entered having won its previous game 17-9 at Saint Joseph’s on Thursday, while VCU had won its prior contest against Richmond 7-4 on the same day. The teams had met twice earlier in the season, with Rhode Island winning all three previous encounters in early April.