From Winthrop Media Relations

The Eagles’ bats were silenced as Rhode Island shut out Winthrop 4-0 on Friday night at The Winthrop Ballpark.

Rhode Island starter Mike Bradstreet (2-2) stifled the Eagles’ offense as he went the distance for the Rams while allowing only five hits and striking out six. Bradstreet was efficient as he was effective as he pounded the strike zone for 78 percent strikes and walked none. Bradstreet managed to keep Winthrop’s batters off balance and never allowed the Eagles to find a rhythm.

Senior right-hander Matt Pierpont (1-3) battled through eight innings of work for the Eagles. However, he did not get the run support he needed. On the night, Pierpont allowed three runs on 12 hits while striking out six and walking zero.

The loss dropped Winthrop to 5-12 on the season while Rhode Island improved to 4-11.

The Eagles look to rebound against the Rams on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Game 2 of the weekend series.

Both starting pitchers filled the scoreboard with zeros until the sixth when the bats came alive for the Rams. Pat Quinn started things off with a single to left field followed by a double down the left field line by Mike LeBel, advancing Quinn to third. Pat Fortunato delivered the big hit with a double to right center, driving in Quinn and LeBel. Fortunato was brought home on a single by Conner Foreman, giving the Rams a 3-0 lead.

Rhode Island rallied with two outs in the ninth inning to tack on an insurance run on a RBI single by Quinn, scoring Tim Caputo for a 4-0 lead.

Winthrop failed to mount the late-game comeback it needed as Bradstreet shut down the Eagles and collected his second complete-game shutout of the season.

Although hits were scarce for the Eagles, freshman shortstop Kyle Edwards put together a good day, going 2 for 3, including a double.

Key injuries to Cody Dolan (hand), Matt Lobacz (wrist), TJ Olesczuk (back), and Clay Altman (shoulder) have made it tough for the Eagles. But coach Tom Riginos sees this as an opportunity for other players to step up. “We are not going to make excuses,” Riginos said after the game. “I expect to win tomorrow with whoever we have in the lineup.”

Freshman southpaw Sam Kmiec (0-2) is scheduled to start against Rhode Island senior right-hander Sean Furney (0-2) when the teams take the field Saturday afternoon.

The ticket window at The Winthrop Ballpark will be open an hour before game time.