MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – One big inning was all the Marauders needed to salvage a split in their doubleheader against the Jefferson Rams on Wednesday, forcing a come from behind win in game two.
Millersville (6-2) dropped game one by a final of 2-1 as Jefferson (1-1) struck first and was able to hold onto its early lead, scattering three Marauder hits. The loss ended a five-game win streak for the Marauders in which the team had outscored its opponents 49-4.
Game two looked to be a repeat of game one, with Jefferson scoring two first inning runs and Millersville's offense unable to connect with runners in scoring position. That all changed in the fifth inning when the Marauders exploded for five runs, taking their first lead of the day. 'Ville was able to add a pair of insurance runs in the sixth, earning the win by a final of 7-2.
HOW IT HAPPENED
GAME ONE
- Alex Schaefer (3-1) was solid in game one despite being on the losing end of the decision, keeping the Marauders within reach as she allowed just two runs over seven innings in the circle. She recorded a season high nine strikeouts while walking just one batter and scattering seven hits.
- The Marauder offense only mustered three hits in the loss, with Kendra Bumgardner scoring the teams lone run on a throwing error by the Rams.
GAME TWO
- Defensive miscues and wild pitches resulted in a pair of unearned runs against Morgan Crutcher in the first inning, putting 'Ville in an early hole. Crutcher (3-1) rebounded nicely after her opening frame as she put up five straight zeros and earned the win for the Marauders.
- Millersville finally had the big inning it was waiting for in the fifth as the offense connected for six hits and brought five runners across the plate. After a groundout started the inning, the rally began with an opposite field double from freshman shortstop Victoria Fuss. Transfer outfielder Lacey O'Donnell followed with a walk before Kendra Bumgardner and Aleese Angelo connected on back-to-back doubles to put Millersville ahead 3-2. Gabby D'Ottavio kept the train moving with a sharp single that deflected off of Rams pitcher Annabella Zito. Senior infielder Gabi Turner brought home the final run of the inning with a single to right.
- Bumgardner added another pair of runs in the sixth on a two-run home run to straight away center field, her second bomb of the season. She then came on the pitch the final inning in relief after a productive 3-for-4 game at the plate in which she drove in four runs and scored twice.
POSTGAME REACTION FROM HEAD COACH JEN PROBST
On Crutcher settling in: "After the first any inning the whole team needed to refocus. Morgan started really hitting her spots with her off-speed which helped her get outs."
On the offense breaking through late in game two: "Offensively we were trying to do too much. Once we simplified things and got on plane with the pitch, hitting was contagious."
UP NEXT
- The Marauders head down south for 10 games in Clermont, Fla. as part of the Spring Games Tournament. 'Ville kicks off the tournament with a matchup against Glenville State College. Games run from Sunday, March 5 through Friday, March 10.
