Auburndale, FL – Sophomore third baseman JOE NORTON went 4-fot-6 with a pair of RBI as Montclair State pounded out 14 hits in a 12-6 victory over Rhode Island College in the RussMatt Invitational on Monday evening.

HAYDEN REYES, NICK MARTINEZ and KYLE MISSRY each drove in two runs as the Red Hawks (6-2) extended their winning streak to 6-2 on the year, 4-0 on their Florida trip.

Montclair took a 4-0 lead in the third inning. NICK MARTINEZ had a two-run double and scored on an error. AIDAN SUPP lofted a sacrifice fly to score IAN LYNCH for the final run in the inning. The Anchormen got a run back in the third and two runs in the fourth pulled RIC within 5-3.

A Lynch sacrifice fly in the sixth pushed the lead back to three runs however the Anchormen pulled within 6-5 after Tyler Calabro was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. But reliever AUSTIN MINTON got out of the jam with a double play keeping the Red Hawks in front.

MSU got some breathing room with two runs in the seventh on RBI singles by Norton and Reyes. Missry added a two-run double giving the Red Hawks a 10-5 lead. Norton and Reyes each and an RBI in the ninth for the final Montclair State runs.

ANTHONY DEBLASIO (1-0) picked up the victory going the first 5 1/3 innings allowing five runs and eight hits with five strikeouts and one walk. Minton recorded eight out striking out three while surrendering four hits and run. JUSTIN SILVA closed out the game with a scoreless ninth.

The Red Hawks are off on Tuesday and return to action on Wednesday, March 7 against Central College (IA) at 4:45 pm.