Softball splits with Skidmore, ralliies to take opener 7-6 before falling 4-0 in Nightcap

Saratoga Springs, NY- The MCLA Softball team rallied with four runs in their final at bat to take the opening game against Skidmore College 7-6 before the Thoroughbreds shutout the Trailblazers in the nightcap 4-0.  MCLA is now 15-19 heading into the MASCAC finale Saturday against Mass. Maritime.  Skidmore finishes the regular season at 11-27.

In the opener, MCLA started quickly jumping out to a 3-0 lead after two and half innings.  Angelica Perfido drove in a pair of runs in the opening innings while Amanda Meczywor added an RBI groundout.

Skidmore would answer with a six spot in the fourth inning to take what appeared to be an insurmountable lead.  They would take the 6-3 edge into the last half inning.

MCLA would rally though.  Michaela DiNicola singled with one out to begin the rally and Meczywor followed with a double.  Perfido reached on an error to score a run and then Samantha Barbarotta brought MCLA within one on an RBI single.  Tanelle Ciempa moved Barbarotta up with a single before Megan Boyer singled to drive in the equalizing run.  After the runners moved up on a wild pitch, Abby Lucas drove in the winning run with a single.

Ainsley MacDonald earned the win tossing the first six innings while Rayelle Pierson notched a one inning save.

In the nightcap, Mackenzie Whiting put the Thoroughbreds ahead in the first inning with a two-out RBI blast that scored Julia Schwartz making it 1-0.

Both pitchers were dealing as neither team was able to score a run until Skidmore broke the drought in the fifth, scoring three runs on four hits including three consecutive RBI singles by Schwartz, Whiting and Cassie Fishkin.

Katie Sorochka would retire the side in order as Skidmore shut out the Trailblazers, 4-0

Whiting had a strong game at the plate, going 2-3 with a pair of RBI, while Shea was 1-2 with a walk and a run scored.

Sorochka improved to 10-14 after tossing seven shutout innings and scattering six hits.  The junior pitcher struck out 11 batters in the win.

Rayelle Pierson took the loss allowing four runs in six innings of work.