Oswego, NY. - The SUNY Oswego Softball team took on SUNYAC rival New Paltz in a midweek Doubleheader. The Lakers looked to bounce back off from a four game skid, where the Hawks were coming in on a 9 game winning streak.
THE BASICS
Final Score:
Game 1
Oswego 0 (9-17, 2-7 SUNYAC)
New Paltz 4 (16-13, 7-0 SUNYAC
Game 2
Oswego 1 (9-18, 2-8 SUNYAC)
New Paltz 2 (17-13, 8-0 SUNYAC)
Location: Oswego Softball Field
HOW IT HAPPENED
Game 1
The first game would be defined by defense as both pitchers for the Lakers and Hawks would get off to strong starts. Oswego's Emma Grasso got the start on the mound and for New Paltz it was Senior Sydney Waldon.
The Hawks' first run came in the top of the second inning, as they capitalized on an early base runner, a sacrifice bunt, and a key sacrifice fly to put the Hawks up 1-0.
The Lakers' offense was unable to answer, and they struggled to maintain momentum on the offensive side of the ball. The Hawks would add to the lead in the top off the third off a homerun from the Hawks that would push the scoreline to 2-0. Emma Grasso was able to get out of the inning without giving up any more runs and it set the tone for the next three innings of play.
The Lakers defense would not be deterred from the early deficit, Key plays from sophomore Mackenzie Carlson would allow the Lakers to end the inning in the fifth with runners aboard as she made a diving play in left field.
The Hawks would add two more runs in similar fashion to the first two. A manufactured run off a single and stolen base would allow for a sacrifice fly to send a run home in the sixth. New Paltz would add one more insurance one in the top of the seventh off a solo homerun
The story of the afternoon continued to be the Hawks Senior pitcher Sydney Waldon as she continued to find advantages in early counts, she would end up with a complete game and a no-hitter. Sydney would also finish her afternoon with 12 strikeouts.
Game 2
The tone from game one would carry over into game two. As the Lakers looked to bounce back from a lackluster showing on the offensive side of the ball they also turned to senior Maria Lutz to set the tone on the mound.
Maria would do just that as she would get two key strikeouts in the top of the first as the Hawks had two runners on with only one out. The Lakers would use this early momentum to take their first lead of the afternoon in the bottom of the first. A base knock by Keira Wright and a few stolen bases later, had the Lakers with a early scoring opportunity as Grad Student Ellie Mahoney ripped an RBI single.
The scoreline would remain at 1-0 Lakers until the top of the third inning when the Hawks would see their third solo homerun and first of the game leave the left field fence as it would knot the score at 1-1.
The game would continue with Laker Mariah Lutz and the Hawks Leah Gunsett having a pitching duel. Both Defenses would make key plays to get out of jams. With neither team able to find an advantage the game would go to extras.
In the top of the eighth inning the Hawks would break the tie as a lead off single would be followed up by a triple from sophomore Ella Sharrock. The Hawks took the lead 2-1 before the Lakers would battle out of the inning before they went to the bottom of the eighth. The Lakers would manage to get bases loaded with two outs but New Paltz would battle back and get the final out to end the Lakers rally and the afternoon 2-1 New Paltz
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Lakers will take to the road to continue SUNYAC conference play against Potsdam this Friday April 25th in a double header starting at 3:00 PM.
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