Montclair, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (10-6) faced Brooklyn (2-12) for a doubleheader on Wednesday, where pitching for the Red Hawks shone as they blanked the Bulldogs by scores of 8-0 (5 Inns.) and 4-0.
Game One
How It Happened
· Montclair used a big first inning to take command of game one. Facing one out, SOPHIA ALONSO put down a bunt single and stole second. A throwing error on the next at-bat allowed KATIE BRUNNER to reach and get to second, and let Alonso get all the way home for the game's first score. Mullen nabbed her own bunt single and stole second to put two runners in scoring position for MARIALYS RICOURT to bat home Brunner with an RBI single through the left side. With runners on the corners again, Ricourt attempted to steal second and was caught stealing, but Mullen stole home to plate another run. RILEY MERKEL was walked, and MOLLY COLLIGAN singled to the shortstop to set up a two-RBI double to right center by LEAH MONSCHEIN that capped off the strong first inning with a 5-0 Montclair lead.
· While it took a few innings for the offense to get going again, Montclair's defense was firm. Led by starting pitcher JORDAN TARABOKIA, Montclair retired the batters in order through the first three innings. Brooklyn's only two hits of the game came in the top of the fourth, but Montclair was able to get out of the inning with the shutout.
· In the bottom of the fourth frame, facing two outs, Alonso tripled to right center and scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 6-0.
· Montclair forced the run-rule in the bottom of the fifth. MIA RIDER led off with a single, but a fielder's choice took her off the base. EMMA DEPEPPO came in to pinch run for Ricourt and stole second. After Merkel singled through the left side, she helped orchestrate a double steal that DePeppo scored on. Julianna Casillas ended the game on an RBI double to left center, and Montclair secured an 8-0 win.
Inside the Numbers
· Tarabokia improved her record to 4-1 on the season with a win today. She allowed just two hits in the game, walked nobody, and struck out five batters.
· Alonso and Merkel each went 2-for-2 with two runs scored.
· Mullen and DePeppo each swiped two bags during the game.
· Rider notched her first collegiate hit in game one.
Game Two
How It Happened
· Following a pair of scoreless innings, Montclair scored its first runs in the bottom of the third. Alonso placed down her second bunt single and stole second. She scored on an RBI triple by LIZ MULLEN and crossed home on the next at-bat by Jordayn Hester on an RBI double to left center to hold a 2-0 lead.
· The Red Hawks extended the lead to 3-0 when Casillas was hit by a pitch and scored on an RBI single by Monschein in the bottom of the fourth.
· Montclair went up 4-0 in the following inning. Alonso singled up the middle and stole second. Hester reached on a throwing error that allowed Alonso to round all the way home for the score.
· CARLY MOCKENHAUPT, Montclair's game two starter, was on the cusp of history at the top of the seventh. With a perfect game just three outs away, she secured a groundout and struck out a batter looking. Brooklyn spoiled it with a single up the middle. Mockenhaupt struck out the final batter and still secured the win for the Red Hawks.
Inside the Numbers
· Despite just missing out on the perfect game, Mockenhaupt was sensational, allowing just one hit, walking no one, and striking out a total of 13 batters. It was the most by a single pitcher under Degenhardt's tenure as head coach and the most by a Montclair pitcher since 2014 (Alex Hill, 19).
· Alonso went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. She finished the day with four hits, four runs scored, and four stolen bases.
· Montclair dominated the series, allowing just three hits across both games, and struck out 18 total batters.
FROM THE DIAMOND
· Quote to be added.
Up Next
· Montclair State University is now set for a big NJAC opening showdown at #10 Rowan on Saturday, March 28. The first game is set for 1:00 p.m.
