Runnals, Webb, McIntosh key Panther win over Raiders

            WATERTOWN, Mass. – Juniors Jeff Runnals (Wolfeboro, N.H./Kingswood) and Spencer Webb (Warwick, R.I./Pilgrim) combined on a two-hit shutout Thursday as Plymouth State University defeated Rivier University, 1-0, in non-conference baseball action at Victory Field.

            Runnals allowed just two hits and a walk over seven scoreless innings, striking out four and improving to 2-1, while Webb pitched two perfect innings to record his second save of the season.

            Rivier freshman Nicholas Pica (Hampstead, N.H.) allowed just one run on five hits and no walks, fanning four in the complete-game effort, but suffered a tough-luck loss (0-2).

            The Panthers, who improved to 9-6 on the season, scored the only run of the game in the third inning. Sophomore Justin Walsh (Goffstown, N.H.) singled and stole second, and with two outs senior Ryan McIntosh (Lincoln, N.H./Lin-Wood) laced a single up the middle and Walsh was able to scamper home.

            Plymouth State will travel to Eastern Connecticut on Saturday as it begins Little East Conference play. Rivier will be back in action Friday when they take on New England College in a 5 pm double-header at Maplewood Park in Malden, Mass.

-- 30 --