Kissimmee, NJ – The Montclair State University softball team (1-1) entered day two of The Spring Games down in sunny Florida, where they fell in their opening matchup to Wheaton (Mass.), 4-2, but were triumphant in their second contest after a 4-0 shutout of Aurora on Sunday afternoon.  

Vs. Wheaton

How It Happened

·        The Lyons went to work early, scoring a pair of runs on an RBI triple to right field and an RBI single to left field to notch a 2-0 lead early.

·        Wheaton extended the lead to 3-0 in the top of the second on an RBI double to center field that just found the gap.

·        After getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the fourth, JORDYN HESTER led off with a single up the middle. ZOE TURNER pinch ran for Hester and made it to third on a double down the left field line by KATIE BRUNNER to put themselves in scoring position, but were left stranded.

·        In the top of the sixth inning, the Lyons' lead bumped up to 4-0 on a throwing error that allowed the runner to score from third.

·        Montclair put together a great rally attempt in the bottom of the sixth. SOPHIA ALONSO led off with a single to second base and stole second. After LIZ MULLEN was hit by a pitch, CARLEE IANNONE loaded the bases on a single to right field for Hester to bring across the first run on a sacrifice fly to left field. Brunner took a five-pitch walk, where another sacrifice fly, this time by Julianna Casillas, halved the lead to 4-2. Wheaton was able to stop the bleeding and get out of the inning with the lead and held strong in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.

Inside the Numbers

·        BROOKE MCHALE was tabbed with the loss in her first collegiate start. She surrendered nine hits and three runs, but struck out three batters in four innings. JORDAN TARABOKIA kept her momentum from yesterday, pitching three solid innings of relief in which she allowed only one hit and an unearned run.

·         

Vs. Aurora

How It Happened

·        The Red Hawks put together the best chance to score in the first three innings. In the top of the third, facing two outs, JAYLA VASQUEZ walked and was sent to second on an Iannone single up the middle, but both runners were left on base. The Spartans notched a two-out single through the left side in the same frame, but were unable to capitalize.

·        Aurora threatened in the bottom of the fourth. A lead-off single and a hit by pitch allowed them to move both runners on a sacrifice bunt, but CARLY MOCKENHAUPT forced a ground out and a pop to hold the game at a scoreless tie.

·        The Red Hawks broke the scoreless tie in the top of the fifth. Following a groundout to third, Turner walked and stole second. LIZ MULLEN singled through the left side, and during the play, the center fielder fumbled over the ball, and Turner took advantage to round home and plate the run.  

·        In the bottom of the sixth, the Spratans once again threatened after leading off the inning with singles on both sides. Montclair was able to work its way out of the jam to preserve the lead.

·        Once again, Montclair took advantage of its opportunities to increase the lead. Turner punched a ball through the left side and rounded all the way to third on a bunt single by Mullen. Mullen stole second and misfired on a throwdown to third from the catcher plated Turner and helping Mullen reach third for Iannone to bat her home on an RBI single through the right side. The final run of the game was scored once again on a misfire to third base by the catcher that allowed MIA RIDER, who came in to pinch run for Iannone, to score.

·        The Red Hawks retired the side in the bottom of the seventh to earn their second shutout in two days.

Inside the Numbers

·        Montclair tied a program record in stolen bases in a game with 10 as a team, matching a mark set back on March 14, 2012, against Daniel Webster. Mullen led the way with three today.

·        Mockenhaupt bounced back from yesterday's loss to notch the complete game shutout. In seven innings, she gave up four hits, but struck out four and walked no one for her first win as a Red Hawk

·        Turner collected her first collegiate hit in the game and scored two of the Red Hawks' four runs.

FROM THE DIAMOND

·       Quote to be added.

Up Next

Montclair State University will have a day of rest before a doubleheader against WPI on Tuesday, March 10. Game one is set for 10:00 a.m.