KINGSTON, R.I. (Interstat) — Virginia Commonwealth’s Rams outlasted Rhode Island’s Rams 18-16 in a back-and-forth Atlantic 10 slugfest Saturday evening. VCU improved to 36-23, while Rhode Island fell to 26-30.

The visiting Rams jumped ahead early, scoring six runs in the top of the first on Nick Flores’ RBI double and a three-run homer by Jacob Lee. Rhode Island answered with three runs in the bottom half. The game featured seven lead changes or ties.

Danny Leikus paced Rhode Island, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBIs. Ryan Henschel added a homer and three hits, and Scott Penney hit a two-run homer. For VCU, Quinn Maher went 3-for-4 with an RBI, Dante DeFranco drove in two runs, and Flores had three hits. Cooper Campbell earned the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.

Rhode Island grounded into two double plays. VCU’s bullpen held on despite allowing two runs in the eighth. Jacob Lee’s homer and a wild pitch in the ninth sealed the victory.