Brandon, FL (3/12/05) - Senior catcher ROB BLACKBURN (right) belted a two-run homer and drove in three runs as Montclair State picked up its first victory of the season with a 15-8 victory over Rhode Island College in the Clearwater Invitational on Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Michae lNunes had three hits and an RBI for the Red Hawks (1-2),who pounded out 17 hits in the contest.

Montclair State jumped out to a 2-0lead in the first as Blackburn drove in a run with a fielder's choice and ETHAN BOYD came around toscore on the play as well.

After Rhode Island College got a runback in the top of the fourth, MSU answered with three in its half of the inning. JAMES SCELZO scored for a 3-1 lead and DANNY RODRIGUEZ delivered a run with a ground out for a three-run cushion. The following inning, Montclair added two more as Blackburn launched a two-run home to centerfield to make the score 7-1.

Montclair State poured it on in the sixth with five runs. Boyd delivered an RBI triple and Nunes singled through the left side to make the score 9-1.EdKloepping smacked a run-scoring single before KEVIN CUOZZI delivered a two-run single to put the Red Hawks in front, 12-1.

Rhode Island College (0-3) got two runs in the seventh, but again MSU answered with three runs of its own. JOHN JEDINY singled home a run and Kloepping lofted a sacrifice fly for a 14-3 lead. DANIEL RAMIREZ brought home the final Montclair run with a base hit.

Sophomore righthander JAIRO MENDEZ (1-1) was the recipient of the offensive output ashe picked up his first victory of the season. Mendez allowed just three hits and one earned run in six innings, striking out four and walking none.

Nunes finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored while Boyd was 2-for-4 with three runs scored. Jediny was2-for-3 as was MARC DECASTRO.

Montclair State continues its eight-game appearance in the Clearwater Invitational on Sunday, March 13. MSU will face Augustana (IL) at 10:30 am.