Scores:
Williams 2, Opponent 1
Williams 5, Opponent 7
Location: Troy, NY
Records: Williams 18-11; Opponent 30-3-1
The Short Story:
In a closely contested series, the Ephs split their doubleheader today against RPI. The first game highlighted strong pitching from Sadie Leonard and timely hitting by the Ephs, allowing them to overcome an early deficit to clinch a victory. After a 3-3 tie in a 10-inning standoff at home on April 9th, the halted game rule allowed both teams to resume play at the top of the 11th inning today in Game 2. In a close match up, with both teams continually tying the score, RPI capitalized on some defensive errors by the Ephs in the 14th inning to pull ahead and take the win.
Coach's Take:
"There was a lot of great softball played today but we are not doing the little things well enough, consistently enough. In the continuation of game one, we had a lot of chances on both offense and defense to win the game and we're going to need to figure out how to do this moving forward." Coach Herman said. "In the first game today, Sadie pitched really well and was super tough in some important situations. The top of our order put together a nice run of three hits in a row to get us a lead and Sadie did the rest." Going into back to back conference doubleheaders this weekend, Coach Herman said: "We're not satisfied, and look forward to fixing some things that need fixing and building on our strengths." - Head Coach
Kris Herman
Game 1
How it Happened
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Sadie Leonard pitched well, showcasing a strong ability to consistently find the strike zone and striking out 13 batters.
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RPI took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring the first run of the game through a combination of a bunt single, a sacrifice bunt, and an RBI single to center field.
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In the top of the third inning, the Ephs surged ahead. The play began with Kayla Chang singling to center field. Kelly McGuigan followed up Chang's hit with another single. Sydney Flemming then hit a double and drove McGuigan and Chang home, an offensive move that would allow the Ephs to take a decisive victory over the Engineers.
Game 2
How it Happened
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RPI was the first on the scoreboard today, in the top of the 11th. To speed up the pace of play a runner was placed on second. This runner advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when the batter grounded out to the second baseman.
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Williams tied the score at 4-4 when Kayla Chang, who was placed at second at the top of the inning, scored following a fielding error by the second baseman.
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A series of groundouts allowed the runner placed second for RPI to score in the top of the 12th inning, allowing them to take the lead 5-4.
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Williams leveled the score when Kelly McGuigan laced a double down the left field line, bringing Katie Blanch around to score.
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In the 14th and final inning, RPI capitalized on some fielding errors by the Ephs defense, scoring 2 unearned runs that allowed them to take the win for Game 2.
Up Next: Saturday, May 4th at 1 p.m. in Williamstown, Massachusetts, the Ephs play Little Three and NESCAC foe Wesleyan.
