KINGSTON, R.I. – A seven-run sixth inning was the story of the game as the Saint Joseph's baseball team fell to Rhode Island, 7-3, at Bill Beck Field on Sunday afternoon.

Both starting pitchers enjoyed solid outings, but it would be Saint Joseph's (14-20 overall, 4-9 Atlantic 10) that would break the scoreless tie in the sixth.  Matt Maul led off the inning with a double and, two batters later, James McConnon hit a two-out triple to push Maul across and give the Hawks the lead.

It would be short-lived, however, as Rhode Island (15-25 overall, 6-9 Atlantic 10) sent 12 batters to the plate in the home half of the inning, scoring seven runs on five hits and three walks.

The Hawks responded in the seventh as Marc Giacalone led off with a walk before Brian Markoski hit his second home run of the season to cut the deficit to 7-3.

SJU had one last chance in the ninth, loading the bases with one out, but URI's Cam LaFleur notched a strikeout and a fly ball to end the game.

Taso Stathopoulos allowed one run on five hits in six innings to earn the win and improve to 3-1.  Ryan Devine took the loss for the Hawks in his first decision of the season.  Justin Aungst started the game for SJU, holding the Rams scoreless through five innings and scattering five hits.

The Hawks play a pair of nonconference games this week, visiting Lehigh on Tuesday before hosting Rider on Wednesday.