Second-year pitcher Joe Sabbath took over the closer role for the University of Rhode Island baseball team this season; his relationship with last year’s closer has helped the transition.

Former closer Tommy Hughes ’24 came to Rhode Island for his sixth season after five years at Southern Connecticut State University and was named a captain. For the short time he had with the team, he made the most of it.

“[Hughes] always brought so much energy,” Rhode Island Head Coach Raphael Cerrato said. “He brought a lot to the table and just went through a good routine and taught these guys out of the bullpen how you have to prepare, how you need to be ready… No doubt it helped Joe.”

As a career-long reliever, Hughes provided perspective and the experience to help high school starters like Sabbath adjust to life in a college bullpen. Hughes said the closing role meant the world to him, where he posted a 2.28 ERA across 19 appearances with five saves.

“Tommy was such a great leader and such a great teammate,” Sabbath said. “He was just a good role model too with closing games and always having a good attitude.”

Through 15 appearances in 2025, Sabbath has a 3.20 ERA and has already matched Hughes’ save total.

“I feel very honored that coach has me as the closer this year,” Sabbath said. “It’s a super big spot that they put you in every time.”

Sabbath spent this past summer preparing for the new role with the North Adams SteepleCats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. He got a taste of closing games across 25 innings of work to make the adjustment easier.

“Coming out of the NECBL was really nice, having that good summer to come into the season strong,” Sabbath said. “I’m performing right where I think I should be, and honestly, I hope I get better with more opportunities.”

All along the way, Hughes has remained in Sabbath’s corner.

“In the summer and at the beginning of the season, he would text me and check in on me to see how I’m doing,” Sabbath said. “Having his support behind me and talking to him after my games makes me happy and just more confident that he believes in me and the team believes in me.”

Confidence is key for Sabbath, who mentioned earlier in the season that he pitches with ‘a f— you mentality.’

“I just have to trust in myself and trust in the guys behind me,” Sabbath said. “I prepare every day for when I get on the mound. I know I’m going to be at the top of my game.”

Hughes preached the importance of controlled chaos to Sabbath during his time at URI. It isn’t always a clean inning, but staying in control of the moment leads to success.

That message was exemplified in Sabbath’s second save of the season against No. 11 University of Oregon. Across 1.2 innings, he allowed two runs alongside three walks but was able to strand the bases loaded in a 12-11 win.

“I texted him right after the game, and I said, ‘As long as you can control the chaos and find a way, then there’s nothing wrong with what you did,’” Hughes said. “Your job is to get the win at the end of the day, so Joe is a perfect guy for that role.”

Sometimes it’s controlled chaos, but on Friday, it was domination. Sabbath earned his fifth save of the year against St. Bonaventure University in arguably his best appearance of the season, throwing two hitless frames while striking out five.

“He’s taken a step up and become one of the best pitchers in the conference,” Cerrato said. “Hopefully he’s going to continue to get better and better and have an opportunity to play at the next level.”

Rhode Island returns to the diamond over the weekend to face the University of Dayton for a three-game series. The full slate will be broadcast on ESPN+, with radio broadcasts on RIU2.org for Friday’s 3 p.m. matchup and on WRIU 90.3 FM for Saturday’s 1 p.m. matchup.

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