MANSFIELD, Conn. – League-leading Eastern Connecticut State University topped Plymouth State University in a Little East Conference (LEC) softball double header at Clyde Washburne Field on Friday.
The Warriors, who captured the regular season title and top seed for the LEC Tournament, took advantage of some defensive miscues to score nine first inning runs on the way to a 13-3 win in the opener.
Plymouth State's offense was unable to break through in game two as Eastern Connecticut completed the sweep with a 7-0 win.
Plymouth State slides to 13-19 (4-10 LEC), while Eastern Connecticut, receiving votes in this week's NFCA poll, improves to 24-8 and stays perfect in league play (14-0).
The Basics:
- Game 1: Plymouth State 3, Eastern Connecticut 13 (5 Inn.)
- Game 2: Plymouth State 0, Eastern Connecticut 7
- Plymouth State (13-19, 4-10 LEC)
- Eastern Connecticut (24-8, 14-0 LEC)
How it Happened (Game One):
- Sophomore Kate McGrath (Boston, Mass.) retired two of the first three hitters in the bottom of the first before the floodgates opened. The hosts pounded out six hits, coupled with four PSU miscues, to race out to a 9-0 lead.
- After the Warriors tacked on a run in the second, PSU attempted to rally in the third. Junior Abby Kenison (Boscawen, N.H.) singled and graduate student Lauren Archambault (Rehoboth, Mass.) and freshman Emily Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) walked. Sophomore Mia Ly (Lowell, Mass.) hit a hard shot up the middle that deflected off the pitcher toward the second baseman. Ly beat the throw and PSU appeared to have scored a run, but the umpires ruled runner interference on Bessette for the second out the ECSU would escape without allowing a run.
- Eastern Connecticut added another three runs in the third.
- PSU broke through in the fourth. Sophomore Jade Guertin (Oakland, R.I.) walked and graduate student Emily Picard (Berlin, N.H.) singled. With two down, Kenison walked to load the bases and another two walks forced in a pair of runs before freshman Keelie Wells (Milford, N.H.) singled to make it 13-3.
By the Numbers (Game One):
- Picard went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
- Guertin and Kenison each had a single and walk, while Archambault and Bessette both walked twice.
- McGrath took the loss, though just two of the Warriors first inning runs were earned.
How it Happened (Game Two):
- Archambault singled to start game two but was erased on a fielder's choice. Ly followed with a base hit and a stolen base gave PSU two runners in scoring position, but Eastern Connecticut got out of the jam unscathed.
- The Warriors put up a four-spot in the second.
- The hosts pushed the advantage to 5-0 with a run in the fourth.
- Sophomore Kaity Montelongo (South Paris, Maine) smacked a double to start the fifth, but the PSU offense was unable to bring her home.
- ECSU added two more in the bottom of the frame.
- The Panthers put two on in the sixth on a walk by sophomore Caroline Macri (Burlington, Mass.) and a single from senior Sam McCann (Berlin, N.H.), but again the hosts escaped without allowing a run.
By the Numbers (Game Two):
- Archambault went 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot, while Ly and McCann had singles.
- Montelongo had the lone extra base hit to finish 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.
- McCann also reached twice on her single and walk.
- Freshman Emily Antrim (Limerick, Maine) went the first five innings while sophomore Madison Pelletier (New Gloucester, Maine) recorded the final three outs.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State wraps up the regular season with a pair of home double headers next week. PSU welcomes the University of New England to D&M Park on Wednesday (May 3) with game one set for a 4:00 p.m. start.
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