Box Score

The Oswego State softball team overcame a four-run deficit after three innings, but Utica's Kristie Jones hit a two-out single in the bottom of the eighth as the Pioneers handed the Lakers a 16-15 loss Tuesday in Utica. It was an offensive contest that saw both teams combine for 33 hits and 19 walks. Oswego State, which fell to 5-17 overall, will travel to Geneseo tomorrow to make up a SUNYAC doubleheader at 3 p.m. Utica improved to 14-13 with the win.

The Lakers got off to a quick start putting up four runs on four hits in the top of the first. Utica answered with a run in its share of the inning courtesy of a solo home run by Mallory Ingalls. Oswego State countered with five more runs in the second with the key hits of the frame being a two-run home run by Dee Apps and a two-RBI single by Beth Jerome as the Lakers took a 9-1 lead, but the Pioneers plated three more runs in the next half inning.

In the third, Oswego State left the bases loaded, but not before Apps and Shannon Baker touched home plate. However, Utica exploded for 11 runs in the bottom of the frame as the Laker pitching staff combined to give up five hits and six walks. Stephanie Romanov and Bridgette Plummer each delivered three-RBI hits during the inning that saw the Pioneers take a 15-11 lead.

The Lakers did not back down, though, as they chipped away at the deficit. Baker drove in Apps during the fourth, while Sue Schoff ripped a two-RBI single in the sixth that scored Brittany Carbacio and Katie Bredin to pull Oswego State to within one run heading into the top of the seventh.

Sammie Schroeter started off the at-bat with a single into left field, and advanced to second following a sacrifice bunt by Jerome. Down to the final out, Bredin and Carbacio picked up key hits to drive in Schroeter and tie the game at 15.

In the eighth, Kim Martin laid down a bunt single and advanced to third following a double by Plummer with one out. The next Pioneer batter grounded out to the pitcher, but Jones got a single through the left side for the walk-off win.

Morgan Lavner suffered the loss for Oswego State going 6.1 innings with four earned runs on seven hits and one walk to go along with three strikeouts. Jessica Palmitesso allowed four earned runs on two hits and five walks in one inning of work, while Sarah Thayer went one-third inning giving up seven earned runs on five hits and three walks. Heather Kingsbury picked up the win for Utica surrendering ten runs on 13 hits and five walks with two strikeouts over four innings.