Ephs Split Doubleheader With the University of Hartford at Home

Scores:    

Williams 0, Hartford 2

Williams 7, Hartford 4

Location: Williamstown, MA

Records: Williams 20-10; Hartford 16-14-1

The Short Story: 

After their weekend on the road, the Ephs returned to Cole Field for a doubleheader against the University of Hartford. After a Game 1 loss and a four-run deficit in the top of the first during Game 2, the Ephs rallied back for a gritty comeback victory. Sydney Fleming lit the spark with a two-run homer in the first, and a massive fifth-inning rally swung the momentum in Williams' favor. Katie Blanch and Justine Dunaway led the charge at the plate, each going 3-for-4, while Sadie Leonard stole the show in the circle with 10 strikeouts over five innings of relief. The game was sealed by a sharp defensive play at first base from Kaia Glickman, who snagged the final out with a runner threatening on third. 

Coach's Take: 

"I think our second game performance was important for a few reasons. One, we had lost the first game and didn't play well or have much of a spark. Then we fell behind in game two and were able to rally," said Eph head coach Kris Herman. "Lots of people contributed today on both sides of the ball. We're looking forward to getting back after it tomorrow," Herman added. The Ephs will host Smith College tomorrow on Cole Field at 5 PM.

Game 1

How it Happened 

• Emily Borrazzo got the start in the circle for the Ephs, tossing four solid innings before handing the ball to Sadie Leonard in the top of the fifth

• Leonard struck out five batters over two innings of relief

• Hartford scored their 2 runs in the top of the 5th off a fielder's choice and a sacrifice fly

Game 2

How it Happened 

• Elyse Chan started in the circle for the Ephs, and pitcher Sadie Leonard came in to relieve in the top of the 2nd. Leonard totaled 10 strikeouts through 5 innings. 

• Sydney Fleming got the Ephs offense started when she launched a 2-RBI homer over the left field fence in the bottom of the first.

• Justine Dunaway tacked another run on the board for the Ephs in the bottom of the 3rd on an error by Hartford's 1st baseman

• The Ephs hit their offensive stride in the bottom of the 5th with a 4-run rally. The inning kicked off with a Katie Blanch infield single, followed by Justine Dunaway's knock to right center, putting runners on second and third. Dani Jackman then reached on a fielder's choice, plating Blanch to cut the deficit. After a walk to Aprill Medrano, Kaia Glickman was hit by a pitch to bring in Aleks Albert, who pinch ran for Dunaway. A wild pitch allowed Jackman to score, and Vicky Trujillo Balderas capped off the inning with an RBI single through the right side. The Ephs surged ahead 7-4 by the inning's end.

• Katie Blanch and Justine Dunaway both went 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored, Dunaway also added 1 RBI