TROY, N.Y. - Freshman Jake Defeyatte drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth to cap a six-run comeback victory over Bard College on Saturday at Robison Field. The Engineers, who were victorious, 8-7, improve to 13-12 overall (7-4 Liberty League), while the Raptors drop to 11-13 (5-6 Liberty League).

Defayette drew a four-pitch walk to score senior Christian Spagnuola from third and break a 7-7 tie and give RPI a 2-1 series victory over Bard. Spagnuola led off the frame with a solid single to left, before pinch-hitter Weston Hawkins dropped down a perfect bunt that went for a single. A walk to senior JT Sawyer filled the bases for Defayette winning base on balls.

Trailing 7-1 entering the bottom of the eighth, the Engineers scored six times on five hits. Junior Michael Arboleda drew a walk on a 3-2 count, before classmate Austin Lawrence ripped a double down the left field line. A walk to Spagnuola filled the bases in front of a sacrifice fly from sophomore Jack Vaccari. Sophomore DJ Morone dumped a single to right to score another run. Sawyer walked, forcing a Bard pitching change.

Sophomore Noah Normyle took a 3-1 pitch to left for a single, bringing the Engineers within 7-5. Freshman Richard Drum went with a pitch through the right of the infield, loading the bases with still just one out. After a strikeout, Arboleda delivered a game-tying, two-run single to right center, scoring Defayette - who came in as a pinch runner - and Sawyer.

Bard began building its lead in the top of the third, scoring three runs, including a two-run single off the bat of Dillon Daine. 

Senior Ethann Meister got the Engineers on the board in the bottom of the fourth, when he line a solo home run over the fence in left. The long ball was his second of the season.

The Raptors tacked on a run in the seventh, before scoring three times in the in the top of the eighth for a 7-1 lead.

Freshman Chris Grome (2-1) earned the win on the hill, working the final 1.2 innings. He struck out three and walked one, surrending just one hit. Alex Bunnell (1-2) took the loss, giving up two runs on five hits in 1.0 inning of relief. He stuck out one and walked two.

The Engineers are back on the diamond tomorrow night, when they host Bates College for non-league game (4pm). Bard hosts Bates on Thursday (4pm).