RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The Bluefield Rams mounted a late comeback effort but fell 7–4 to Rio Grande in Tuesday's non-conference matchup at Bob Evans Field.
Rio Grande struck first in the second inning when Gehrig Cordial connected on a two-run home run to left field, giving the RedStorm a 2–0 advantage.
BU answered in the third inning. Grayson Surratt singled and moved into scoring position on a Dylan Dotson double before Jordan Ramsey lifted a sacrifice fly to left field to cut the deficit to 2–1.
The RedStorm added an unearned run in the fourth before taking control in the fifth. Rio Grande capitalized on a pair of Bluefield errors and produced four runs in the inning to extend its lead to 7–1.
The Rams refused to go away, rallying in the seventh inning. Cody Crafton drew a walk and Grayson Surratt followed with another free pass before Dotson worked a walk to load the bases. Michael Royston delivered a two-run single down the left-field line, and Nick Stergiou added an RBI single to bring BU within 7–4.
Bluefield threatened again in the eighth after Crafton walked and Ramsey was hit by a pitch, but Rio Grande closed out the final two innings to earn the win.
Stergiou led the Rams offensively with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI. Royston finished with a hit and two RBIs, while Dotson doubled and scored a run. Evan Leese and Surratt each added hits as BU totaled six in the contest.
Noah Burtner was charged with the loss after allowing two runs over the opening two innings. Nick Duncan followed with two strong innings of relief, surrendering just one unearned run while striking out two. Gabriel Delvalle, Daniel Pritchard, and Brent Avery combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
The Rams return home Friday to open a three-game series against Milligan. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Bowen Field.
