Becker Sunk By Mariners in NECC Softball Play
Leicester, Mass- Mitchell College took both ends of the doubleheader against Becker College this afternoon, by the final scores of 10-0 and 5-4.
Game one was dominated by the Mitchell squad which has won eight of the last nine games that they have played. The Mariners got all the runs they would need in the 2nd inning. Becker had 3 costly errors, allowing Mitchell to jump out to a 2-0 lead. The Mariners put the game out of reach in the 4th inning. With the bases loaded, Nikki Hoxie (Winsted, Conn) singled up the middle, driving in two more Mitchell runs. After two more unearned runs scored, Sara Krolikowski (Bristol, Conn) homered to deep left field, making the score 8-0. Kristina Torres (Groton, Conn.) earned the win, as she held the Hawks to just two hits.
In game two, Becker jumped out to an early 1-0 lead. With runners on 1st and 3rd, Amanda Fogaren (Tewksbury, Mass) grounded into a fielder's choice, allowing one run to score from third base. The Hawks held the Mariners at bay until the 4th inning. After a walk and an error, Kelly Reynolds (Waterford, Conn) doubled to center field, giving Mitchell their first lead of the game. Michelle Anderson (Scotland, Conn) followed with an RBI triple down the right field line, making the score 3-1. After Jen Bordonaro (Winsted, Conn) earned a walk, Lindsey Donelin (Niantic, Conn) hit what proved to be a game winning two-run double, making the score 5-1.
Becker gave the Mariners a major scare in the bottom of the 7th. Rachel Weidele (Woodbridge, NJ) led off the inning with a single up the middle. Shannon Tibbetts (Warren, Mass) followed with a double to center field. With two runners in scoring position, Felicia Laufer (Salem, Conn) ripped a double to left center, plating Weidele and Tibbetts. With Becker trailing 5-3 Lindsay Hanna (Portland, ME) stepped up and hit a two-out double to left field, putting the Hawks within one run. Mitchell starting pitcher Marissa Thomas (New London, Conn) finally got the final out on a strikeout, sending the Mariners home with the NECC sweep.
Marissa Thomas earned her fifth win of the season, as she pitched a complete game, allowing four earned runs. Mitchell improved to 13-14-1 overall and 10-3-1 in the NECC.
Krolikowski finished the day going 2-for-6 with a double and a homer, while Reynolds went 2-for-4 with three runs and two RBI.
Mitchell will close out regular season NECC play on Tuesday, April 21st when they host Lesley University for a 3:00 pm doubleheader.