Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State softball team (8-6) took two wins in a non-conference doubleheader against Baruch (4-8), triumphing 2-0 and 6-2 on Thursday evening.
Game 1
How It Happened
- The game remained scoreless through the first five innings, with Montclair's defense nearly flawless, allowing only one hit and retiring the side in three of six innings. This included a top of the fifth where BELLA BUCY struck out all three batters. Offensively, the Red Hawks had a few opportunities but failed to capitalize. Their best chance came in the bottom of the first when RILEIGH GLYNN singled to the shortstop, stole second, and advanced to third on a groundout. However, she was left stranded after a lineout ended the inning.
- The Red Hawks broke through in the bottom of the sixth. LIZ MULLEN led off with a bunt single, followed by a single through the left side from SOPHIA ALONSO. Glynn then loaded the bases with another bunt single. With the bases loaded, CARLEE IANNONE delivered a clutch two-RBI single up the middle, giving Montclair a 2-0 lead.
- In the top of the seventh, after two quick outs, Baruch had a chance to extend the game when a hit-by-pitch and a walk put the game-tying run at the plate. However, a strikeout ended the threat, securing Montclair's victory in game one.
Inside the Numbers
- Bucy was outstanding, earning her second win of the season. She allowed just one hit while striking out a season-high nine batters.
- Glynn and Mullen both had multi-hit games with two hits apiece.
- Montclair recorded its fourth consecutive shutout and its third straight game allowing only one hit.
Game 2
How It Happened
- Montclair started strong in game two, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. Alonso led off with a walk and stole second. Mullen then singled on a pop-up near home plate, followed by Iannone getting hit by a pitch to load the bases. DYLAN BOLES and Julianna Casillas each delivered infield RBI singles to the shortstop, making it 2-0. A bases-loaded walk to KATIE BRUNNER brought in another run, and Glynn capped off the inning with an RBI single to the shortstop, giving the Red Hawks a 4-0 lead.
- Baruch responded in the top of the second with a two-RBI single to center field, cutting the deficit to 4-2.
- The Red Hawks extended their lead in the bottom of the third. With two outs, Glynn laid down a perfect bunt single and stole second. Alonso followed with a walk, and Mullen came through again with an RBI single to shortstop, scoring Glynn for a 5-2 advantage.
- Montclair added its final run in the bottom of the fifth. Mullen drove a ball down the left-field line, allowing Alonso to score from second, sealing a 6-2 win and the doubleheader sweep.
Inside the Numbers
- Mullen and Glynn had standout performances at the plate, following their two-hit games in the opener with three-hit outings in game two. Glynn went a perfect 5-for-5 on the day, while Mullen notched two RBIs in the second game.
- Alonso extended her hitting streak to six games with a single in the bottom of the fifth. She has recorded a hit in 12 of 14 games this season.
- BROOKE BIAMONTE made her second start of the season, pitching three innings while allowing two runs on two hits against 12 batters. SAGE RIZZI took over in the fourth inning and earned the win, allowing just one hit while striking out five batters.
From the Diamond
Up Next
Montclair State faces a quick turnaround as they host Neumann on Friday, March 21. First pitch for game one is set for 3:00 p.m.
