Rvier's Frank Gulezian had three hits in the Raiders' 12-11 loss to Eastern Nazarene in Myrtle Beach S.C. on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Rivier University)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Rivier University baseball team came close to its first win on its spring trip but fell just short, 12-11 on Tuesday vs. Eastern Nazarene. After falling behind early on in the contest, the Raiders worked their way back with a huge eight-run sixth inning to see them surpass the Lions 10-8. That inning was highlighted by John Canto (Harwich, MA), who had three of his four RBIs. He batted twice and recorded two singles. Rivier added one more in the top of the seventh to give them a three-run lead going into the bottom of the inning.

Eastern Naz regrouped and put together a four-run bottom half of the seventh inning to see themselves back on top 12-11. A two-run homerun highlighted that inning by Shane McNamara. That homerun ended up being the game winning hit in the end, as neither team could score another run.

Dale Beneway earned the win (1-0) after going 3.1 innings with two earned runs, eight hits allowed, and three strikeouts. Ty Baker of Hudson suffered the loss (0-1) after going 1.1 innings, allowing just two hits, one earned run, and four strikeouts. Morgan Weast earned his first save of the year after the Raiders got the tying run in scoring position in the top of the ninth. Weast pitched to two batters, striking out both.

Frank Gulezian of Derry finished 3-for-6 with a pair of RBIs for Riv, which has today off but will be back at it on Thursday at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.against Lancaster Bible.

SOFTBALL

WHEATON 12, RIVIER 0

Alese Antonello of the Thunder kept the Raiders to two hits, which were earned by Hudson’s Courtney Marioles and North Hampston’s Josie Maggiore as the Raiders continue their spring start in Winter Haven, Fla.

Wheaton scored fast and quickly, only allowing five innings of play. The Thunder strung together three hits and a sacrifice bunt in the first inning, generating four runs. In the third inning seven runs were put up by Wheaton from four hits. The final run was gained in the fourth inning with a base hit from Izibelle Vavra.

CONCORDIA COLLEGE 9, RIVIER 2

Ending the first inning the Raiders and Cobbers were tied 1-1. Concordia continued to rake in the runs adding three in the second inning, one in the sixth, and four in the seventh. Rivier was unable to score again.

Londonderry’s Kayla Miles and Haley Rapaglia each earned an RBI for Riv.

Karissa Finnigan of the Cobbers struck out five Raiders and collected the win.

Rivier softball will face Elizabethtown College Thursday at 9 a.m. at Auburndale Sports Complex.