KEENE, N.H. – Plymouth State University used an offensive outburst in game one and outstanding pitching in game two to sweep Keene State College in a Little East Conference (LEC) doubleheader at Owl Athletic Complex on Tuesday.
Every starter recorded a hit and eight of nine scored runs as the Panthers rolled to a 12-3 win in five innings in game one. Freshman
Allie Cecere (Plainville, Mass.) was the beneficiary of five first-inning runs to coast to her 10th win of the season, while senior
Ariana Cray (Merrimack, N.H.) was one of three players to reach base three times (two singles, one walk) and posted a career-high three RBIs.
In game two, graduate pitcher
Emily Antrim (Limerick, Maine) limited the Owls to two runs while striking out four to complete the sweep. PSU grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first, but Keene State scored single runs in the bottom of the first and third innings to tie the game. Junior
Avery Couch (Fort Worth, Texas) delivered a tie-breaking sacrifice fly in the fifth, and Antrim retired the final nine hitters in order to secure the win.
Plymouth State improves to 17-16-1 (9-5 LEC), while Keene State slips to 16-19 (4-10 LEC).
The Basics:
- Game One: Plymouth State 12, Keene State 3 (5 Inn.)
- Game Two: Plymouth State 3, Keene State 2
- Plymouth State (17-16-1, 9-5 LEC)
- Keene State (16-19, 4-10 LEC)
How it Happened (Game One):
- After an out on the bases, Plymouth State drew three straight walks, and Cray delivered a two-run single for an early lead. Another run scored on a groundout before junior Kennedy Michaud (Auburn, N.H.) made it 5-0 with a two-run double.
- Cray drew a bases-loaded walk in the second, and sophomore Eva Zuber (Lakeville, Mass.) knocked in a run with an infield hit to extend the lead to 7-0.
- Freshman Marisa Lizotte (North Andover, Mass.) and senior Emily Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) drove in runs in the third before a passed ball made it 10-0. Senior Abbey Nezuch (Marlborough, Mass.) added an RBI single later in the frame.
- The Owls got a run back in fourth, but Couch scored on a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 12-1.
- Keene State added a pair of two-out runs in the bottom of the fifth to account for the final score.
By the Numbers (Game One):
- Cray finished 2-for-3 with a walk, three RBIs and a run scored, while senior Kenzie Bessette (Cranston, R.I.) went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base.
- E. Bessette singled twice and walked, scored three runs, drove in one and stole a base.
- Couch went 2-for-3 with a double and three runs scored, while Nezuch reached base three times (single, two walks), scored once and drove in one.
- Freshman Addison Willett (Kingston, Mass.) and Lizotte also had multi-hit games. Willett singled twice and drove in two, while Lizotte singled, doubled, scored once and drove in a run.
- Cecere struck out three to earn her 10th win of the season.
How it Happened (Game Two):
- E. Bessette walked, and Couch singled and advanced on the throw to put runners on second and third with one out in the top of the first. Nezuch doubled in one run, and Cray's single made it 2-0.
- The Owls scored a two-out run in the bottom half to pull within 2-1.
- Keene State pulled even with an infield hit in the third inning, but Antrim stranded a runner at third to keep the game tied.
- Cray poked a leadoff single in the fourth, but the Panthers were unable to capitalize.
- PSU regained the lead in the fifth. Senior Kiera Larson (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) drew a leadoff walk, and pinch runner Gianna DiSpirito (Cranston, R.I.) advanced on a bunt. E. Bessette singled and stole second to put two runners in scoring position, and DiSpirito scored on Couch's sacrifice fly.
- Given the lead, Antrim went to work, retiring the side in order in each of the final three innings to secure the victory.
By the Numbers (Game Two):
- E. Bessette singled, walked and scored a run.
- Couch went 1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI.
- Cray singled twice and drove in a run, while Nezuch doubled, walked and drove in a run.
- Antrim went the distance, allowing six hits and two runs while striking out four.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State closes out the regular season with a Senior Day matchup against Rhode Island College on Saturday (May 2). Game one is set for noon, with the Senior Day ceremony to take place between games.
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