Fred Kazalsi had two hits for Rivier in thei opener of their Satuday doubleheader at St. Joseph's of Maine. (Photo courtsey of Rivier University).

The Rivier University baseball team was hoping to get its first win of the season on Saturday with two chances at St. Joseph’s of Maine on Saturday.

But the Raiders, despite outhitting the Monks in the nightcap, 6-5, bowed 4-0 and were swept. It’s been a pretty one-sided series historically between the two, as St. Joseph’s improved to 30-1 in the series with Riv and has now defeated the Raiders in 25 consecutive meetings dating back to the 2008 campaign.

Raider sophomore Fred Kazalski led the offense on the day with a combined four hits in the twinbill.

The Raiders (0-6)dropped the opener,6-1, despite Kazalski going 2 for 3 and reaching base three times. Patrick Quinn’s RBI single in the fifth plated their only run in the game.

Rivier had a prime opportunity to cut into the SJC lead in the top of the sixth when the visitors had the bases loaded with nobody out, but freshman reliever Matt Thibault of Nashua worked out of the jam with a strikeout, flyout, and groundout.

Starter Devin Albino, one of three Raider pitchers, took the loss despite giving up just two earned runs (three unearned) over five innings on six hits. He struck out six and walked two.

Ryan Schaefer (0-1) took the loss on the hill in the nightcap, giving up three runs on five hits — the big blow the Monks’ Jackson Stanton’s three run homer in the first — and four walks in five innings of work. John Jepson pitched the sixth, allowing a run on two hits.

Zach Ham (2-0), one of five Monks pitchers, got the win in Game 2 for the Monks, now 16-11 overall, 6-2 in the GNAC.

Rivier is scheduled to be back at it today vs. Anna Maria at Holman Stadium for a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. Per GNAC rules, no spectators will be allowed.

In other Rivier athletics news, including the women’s lacrosse team’s game Saturday:

RAIDERS FALL IN WOMEN’S LAX

It was a tough day for the Raiders in Newton, Mass. as they fell 20-1 to Lasell.

Nicole Mansfield got the Raiders only goal with 3:53 left. Riv fell to 0-3 overall, 0-2 in GNAC play.

Breanna Abilheria-Cargill led Riv with five ground ball pickups. Lindsey Kruger collected 10 saves in net. Lasell was led by Jordan McComb’s five goals and four assists. The Raides were outshot, 39-10.

LONG LAYOFF FOR SOFTBALL

The Raiders softball team has had a great start to the season, but the brakes got put on.

Riv swept Anna Maria in a doubleheader last Saturday but have had the next several games postponed or cancelled, including four with St. Joe’s of Maine, two with Emmanuel, two with Fisher, and two with Lasell. The Raiders were supposed to play Emmanuel and Lasell this weekend.

Right now, their next scheduled games will be home vs. Fisher on Wednesday, a doubleheader beginning at 6 p.m.

RAIDER MEN’S LAX CANCELLED;

AWARD FOR FERENCE

Saturday’s game at Anna Maria was cancelled, and Riv’s next game will be Wednesday at New England College.

Riv bowed in its final home game of the regular season earlier this week, 12-6, at the hands of Norwich, thanks to a five-goal first and four-goal third period.

Dylan McSparren led the way with three goals for Riv (2-3), who also got single goals by Michael Ference, Coby Mercier, and Connor Eck.

Ference, of Salem, was named GNAC Rookie of the Week. He’s second on the team with 14 goals and leads the Raiders in assists with nine.

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