Blue Jays Sweep Mitchell in Softball Doubleheader
NEW LONDON, Conn. - Saint Joseph College swept the Mitchell Mariners in a non-conference doubleheader this afternoon, 7-5, 4-0. The Blue Jays out-hit the host team by a 19-14 margin, and their pitchers only gave up two earned runs in the two victories.
In game one, Mitchell jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a double by Lindsey Donelin (Niantic, Conn.) and an RBI by Nikki Hoxie (Winsted, Conn.) Marissa Thomas was strong on the mound for the Mariners, as she retired the first ten batters of the game.
Saint Joseph scored two runs to tie the game at two in the top of the sixth on a double by April Campanella (Berlin, Conn.) Mitchell would regain the lead at 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth on consecutive singles by Sara Krolikowski (Bristol, Conn.) and Stacey Suplicki (New London, Conn). The visiting team then exploded for five runs in the top of the seventh, and that was enough to secure the victory.
Hoxie finished the game 2-for-4 with two runs, one RBI, one stolen base, and a double, while left fielder Donelin was 2-for-4 with two runs, a double, and a stolen base. Thomas finished the game with five earned runs on six hits and picked up the loss.
Game two was a defensive battle, and Saint Joseph hurler Sara Dudley was dominant as she retired 16 consecutive Mitchell batters between the second and seventh innings. Suplicki broke the streak in the bottom of the seventh with a double.
The Blue Jays scored two runs in the first inning on a lead-off double by Melanie Bush (Bristol, Conn.) and singles by Susie Waters (Wrentham, Mass.) and Michelle Lynch (Ludlow, Mass.).
Dudley finished the game with four hits, no runs, and ten strikeouts, and Kristina Torres (Groton, Conn.) took the loss for the Mariners on nine hits and four earned runs.
Mitchell is now 6-13-1 overall and 3-2-1 in NECC play, and their next game is a home doubleheader against NECC opponent Wheelock College on Saturday, April 11 at noon.