FORT MEYERS, FLA. – The College at Brockport softball team commanded day four of spring training, bringing home back-to-back wins against Knox College and the University of Minnesota Morris.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP –
- With two more wins under their belt, the Golden Eagles move to 6-2 on the week.
- Knox falls to 2-9 overall while the Green and Gold serve Minnesota Morris their first loss yet this season, moving them to 6-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED –
Game 1
- The Golden Eagles wasted no time putting runs on the board as they dominated their first round through the lineup, notching 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning.
- Meghan Cullen sank one into the right center gap to kick start the Green and Gold offense, opening the door for a scoring opportunity off of Casey Danko's single up the middle.
- Jessica Koneski added a double to left field which consequently scored Danko, allowing them to pick up an early 2-0 lead.
- After a single from Alison Missavage and Morgan Flamholtz and a walk from Kacie Hubbard, Aren Schwab singled to left scoring Missavage and then forced a throwing error from the Prairie Fire scoring Flamholtz.
- Tori Thuman approached the plate with Schwab on second and Hubbard on third, and doubled to left center clearing the bases.
- Thuman's double moved the Golden Eagles lead to 6-0 with one out.
- Alexis Ross then added a single of her own to left field, followed by an identical hit from Cullen which scored Thuman.
- With runners on the corners, Danko drove one to left for a three-run home run, sealing the deal at 10.
- The 11th run would come in the bottom of the second inning after Thuman hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Schwab who had double to left the at bat before.
- Cheyenne Wilson held the Prairie Fire at zero until the third inning where she only gave up four hits and three runs.
- The Golden Eagles continued to fire on all cylinders at the plate in the third, picking up three more runs, one from a double to right center by Hubbard and a single to left field by Lexi Abernathy scoring two.
Game 2
- Minnesota Morris came into Monday's game with a 6-0 record and proved to be an even match for the Green and Gold.
- The Cougars picked up a quick run in the first inning and then both teams remained scoreless until the fifth, when Cullen singled to center field scoring Ross who singled to left center the prior at bat.
- Julia Palopoli continued to hold off the Cougars on the mound, long enough for the Golden Eagles offense to capitalize on another opportunity.
- Koneski led off the top of the sixth inning with a first pitch homerun over left center to take the lead 2-1.
- In their final appearance at the plate, Thuman doubled to right and then advanced to third on a forced error by Ross.
- During Cullen's at bat, Thuman went to take off on a close passed ball and almost got picked off by the catcher but forced an overthrow that allowed her to score.
- Palopoli secured the 3-1 win in the bottom of the seventh after shutting out the last two batters.
KEY STATISTICS –
Game 1
- In the first inning alone, the Golden Eagles posted 10 runs and 11 hits.
- Danko, Schwab and Cullen had a strong game the plate, Danko going 2 for 2 with two runs and three RBI, Cullen going 3 for 3 with two runs and an RBI, and Schwab going 2 for 2 with two runs and two RBI.
- Thuman was a key player in helping score runs as well, notching a run and three RBI in her two at bats.
- The Green and Gold finished the day with 14 runs and 17 hits.
- Wilson picks up her third win of the season, only allowing five hits, three runs, and shutting out four.
Game 2
- Koneski, Thuman and Ross had the only three runs for the Golden Eagles.
- In seven innings pitched, Palopoli only gave up one run, five hits and struck out seven.
UP NEXT –
- The Golden Eagles are set to play Crown College and the University of Minnesota Morris again tomorrow at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Be sure to stay up to date on all your Golden Eagle news, scores, and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page
