NILES, OH – Freshman starting pitcher John Yocum (Easton, PA/Freedom) tossed six scoreless innings and senior third basemen Mike Volaski (Oxnard, CA/Oxnard/Ventura Community College) collected four hits to lead the Rider University baseball team past Youngstown State, 6-0, on Friday afternoon at Eastwood Field. The Broncs (22-26-1) won their third straight game, while the Penguins (15-29) dropped their 11th contest in a row.  

Rider erupted for four runs in the top of the sixth, highlighted by a two-run single to center by junior Brian Uliana (Bethlehem, PA/Freedom). After another scoreless bottom half, the Broncs added two more insurance runs in the top of the seventh.

Offensively Volaski led the charge going 4-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored and one RBI. Uliana, Riley Mihalik (Churchville, PA/Chestnut Hill Academy) and Richie Tecco (Drexel Hill, PA/Monsignor Bonner) all collected two hits apiece for the Broncs. Mihalik and Tecco recorded two hits for the second day in a row and combined to go 4-for-9 with two runs scored.

On the mound, Yocum threw six scoreless innings to earn his fourth win of the season, which is second-best on the team. He scattered five hits and struck out six batters, while walking just one. In relief, Josh Sharik (Ewing, NJ/Plumstead Christian School) and Andrew Tumbelty (Westampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley) combined to allow just three hits and strike out three over the final three innings.

NOTES & QUOTES

“It was a solid effort by the pitching staff today,” Rider Head Coach Barry Davis said. “Yocum was excellent for us. We played solid defense and hit the ball enough. Volaski, Mihalik and Uliana all had solid days at the plate.”

- By virtue of Canisius defeating Niagara, Fairfield beating Quinnipiac, Monmouth and Iona splitting a doubleheader and Marist and Siena splitting a doubleheader all on Friday the Broncs have clinched a berth into the MAAC Tournament.

- If Manhattan wins against Saint Peter's tomorrow Rider will be the sixth seed and if the Peacocks top the Jaspers, the Broncs will be the fifth seed.

- Volaski's four-hit game was the first of his career.

- Yocum has gone six or more innings in four starts this season. It also marked his second quality start in his last three outings.

BRONCS BY THE NUMERS

- Davis now has 902 career wins as a Head Coach.

- Volaski now has 99 career hits in two seasons with the team and he currently ranks second on the squad with 53 this year. He is also tied for tops on the team with 11 doubles this spring.

- Uliana's multi-hit game was his third of the season and his second this month. 

- Off the bench Lee Lipinski had an RBI as did starting catcher Brennan McAllister. 

- The shutout was the third of the season for Rider.

ON DECK

Rider closes out the three-game series with Youngstown State and the 2017 regular season on Saturday, May 20, with a nine-inning contest. First pitch against the Penguins is slated for noon.