The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Rio Russell is off to a fast start in his senior season with the Warner University Royals baseball programme.

Russell went 2-4 and drove in four RBI in the Royals’ season opener, an 8-6 loss to the NAIA No.16 ranked Webber International University Warriors.

Russell got the scoring started for Warner in the third inning when he singled to left centre and plated teammate Tad Stockowski. They tacked on an additional run in the inning to take a 2-0 lead.

In his second at bat, Russell continued to produce at the plate. With the bases loaded, he tripled to right centrefield to drive in an additional three runs and give Warner a 5-0 lead.

The bottom of the fifth inning saw the Royals surrender five errors. The Warriors used the momentum from the 5 errors to plate 6 runs and take a 6-5 lead over the Royals for good.

Warner hit five extra base hits with four doubles and a triple.

In his junior season last year with the Royals, the speedy outfielder hit .270 2uth 26 RBI and 15 stolen bases.

On the mound he posted a 7-4 record. In 25 innings he delivered 20 strikeouts with a 6.48 ERA.

Following the season he spent the summer with the Regina Red Sox in the Western Canadian Baseball League.

In 57 games with the Red Sox, Russell hit .247 with 53 hits, six doubles, four triples, one home run and 30 RBI. He also scored 37 runs with 13 stolen bases.

Summer collegiate baseball leagues are an integral part of the college baseball system with schools from all over North America sending their players to summer leagues to hone their skills during the off season.

Warner is 4-5 on the season thus far and is currently in a three game series with Grand View University.