GORHAM — Senior left-hander Tyler Leavitt (North Andover, Mass.) pitched six strong innings and the University of Southern Maine bats came alive in the latter innings as the Huskies defeated the Rhode Island College Anchormen 8-4 in an elimination game of the 2017 Little East Conference Baseball Championship Tournament Thursday at Ed Flaherty Field.

The Huskies’ win snapped a two-game losing skid and improved their overall record to 29-10, and 1-1 in the tournament.  The Anchormen finished the season at 17-19 overall, and 0-2 in the tournament.  Southern Maine’s next opponent will be determined by the results of games to by played today.

Rhode Island College, playing as the home team, took a 2-0 lead against Leavitt in the first inning getting four singles.  Senior Nate Cahoone (Westerly, R.I.) had a two-out, bases-loaded single to drive in two and give the Anchormen the lead.  A base-running mistake on the play resulted in the third out of the inning.  

Olszak paced the Huskies’ 14-hit attack going 4 for 5 with two runs scored and an RBI.  Bender had a double, home run and three RBI.  Richard had three hits, including his first homer

Leavitt pitched into the seventh inning allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks.  He struck out four en route to his fourth win of the season.  

Webb, Morel and Cahoone had two hits apiece for the Anchormen. RIC starting pitcher Daniel Greaves was saddled with his fifth loss of the season against three wins.