The Rams (2-1) took down the Griffins (0-3) of Seton Hill by a score of 7-3 Sunday morning in their third game in the UNG Captain D’s Classic.
An RBI single right through the center of the Griffins’ defense by first/third by sophomore baseman Connor Gilligan in the first inning produced the first run of the game for either side and put the Rams up 1-0. Sophomore shortstop/outfielder Kaitlyn Konopka scored on the play.
In the second inning, the Rams really took control with a potent offensive display.Sophomore second baseman/shortstop Morgan Cox belted a two-run home-run to left field that put the Rams in good shape, up 3-0 at this point.
Later in the inning, Konopka delivered a double that allowed enough time for junior utility player Sarah North and sophomore catcher Kelcie Weaver to round the bases, giving the Rams a 5-0 lead.
Needing an answer, shortstop Christiana Skrabak sliced an RBI double that infielder Ashley Perillo stretched into a run to give the Griffins their first score of the game. The Griffins had runners on second and third as a result, but were not able to bring home outfielder Paige Hertzog or Skrabak.
Having gained some momentum, the Griffins came through in the fourth inning as infielder/outfielder Brooke Bower was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded by senior starting pitcher Tara Hanson of the Rams. This narrowed the deficit to 5-2 in favor of the Rams.
This game, however, would belong to the Rams, as junior catcher Molly Staley blasted a double to right center in the sixth inning, with freshman infielder Debbie Stuart coming in to score. The Rams now led 6-2.
Konopka, who proved to be a reliable option for this game, countered with a double of her own that North capitalized on by rounding the bases and scoring. This would go on to cement the Rams’ 7-3 victory.
Hanson threw a complete game victory for the Rams. She logged seven innings, gave up three runs (two of them earned) on nine hits, walked four, and struck out two. Even though she got into trouble with baserunners at times during the game, she did not allow the majority of them to advance home.
Starting pitcher Mackayla Kroll took the loss for the Griffins. She went 2.1 innings, gave up five runs (four of them earned) on seven hits, walked four, and struck out two. In relief of Kroll, Amanda Huff tossed 3.2 innings, gave up two runs on three hits, walked none, and struck out three.
The Rams bats were just simply on fire, recording 10 hits in the contest. Kroll and Huff proved unable to meet the challenge of the Rams’ balanced attack offensively.
Later on in the afternoon, the Rams will face the University of North Georgia again in tournament action.
Anthony Bracken is the Sports Editor of The Picket. He can be reached at abrack02@rams.shepherd.edu