FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Penn State Harrisburg softball team traveled south to take on the Mary Washington Eagles in part one of their weekend road trip, but struggled to find the offense that had aggressively shown itself earlier in the week. After being shut out in game one by the Eagles, the Lions could only muster one run in the second contest. Here's how each game played out.
Game 1
The Lions looked they were going to score early to start the game, getting two runners on second and third base before their opponents could record an out, but a fly out, fielder's choice, and ground out would quickly follow. Kayla Seyfert hoped to catch the defense off guard on the fielder's choice by attempting to advance home from third, but the ball reached the defender too quickly and she was gunned down trying to score. Tie 0-0
Mary Washington didn't have the same issues trying to score in their turn of the inning. Amanda Hartman was able to earn a K in the very first at-bat, but a dropped third strike would be misplayed by 1B Allison Hartman, and the runner would reach safely. The runner, Caroline Callahan, would make the most of her second chance by stealing second base in the following at-bat, and then advancing all the way home on a fielding error by SS Jenna Rupakus a batter later. 1-0 Eagles
In the bottom of the second inning, Mary Washington would two runners in scoring position with two outs before batter Hannah Bruns would bring in a run on a single to shortstop. Luckily for the Lions, the hit would not make it past the infield, allowing only one of the runners to score. 2-0 Eagles
Things began to open up for the Eagles in the bottom of the third. With two already away in the inning, Jessica Huber lifted a single to left field that would bring home the runner from second base. In the next at-bat, Mikey Williams would find a pitch she liked and launch it over the outfield for a three-run homerun. 6-0 Eagles
A double by Malia Rogers in the bottom of the fourth inning would tack on two more for the home team. The Lions would get one final chance to keep the game alive in the top of the fifth, but could not make anything happen. The team could only muster up five hits in the contest before it was called early due to the mercy rule. 8-0 Eagles
Penn State Harrisburg 0 Mary Washington 8
WP: Kara Deppe (10-4) LP: Amanda Hartman (3-2)
Game 2
In the bottom of the first inning, with two already gone and runners on first and second bases, Jessica Huber hit a single off of Starting Pitcher Allison Hartman that would find its way to left field and score the runner from second. A force out at third base in the following at-bat would end the inning before any more damage could be done. 1-0 Eagles
Penn State Harrisburg would keep things play things tight on defense for much of the game, but still struggled to get the bats going. They would not record a hit until the fourth inning. In the fifth inning, however, the Blue and White were finally able to score a run and tie the game up. Nina Bruno would lead off the inning on a single to left field, and then advance the bases on the following two outs, before a fielding error would allow her to cross home plate safely. Tie 1-1
A strong pitcher's duel would keep the score tied all the way until the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out and the game on the line, Mary Washington would load up the bases before Hannah Hautz would close the window on a walk-off single to center field. 2-1 Eagles
Penn State Harrisburg 1 Mary Washington 2
WP: Kara Deppe (11-4) LP: Allison Hartman (4-4)
Standout Lions:
Allison Hartman: Despite earning the loss in the second contest, Hartman pitched 6.1 strong innings, giving up only two runs while striking out three batters
Records: Penn State Harrisburg fall to 10-6 overall, and 2-2 in the CAC, while Mary Washington climbs to 18-12 overall and 3-1 in conference play.
Up Next: Penn State Harrisburg will continue their road trip on Sunday, traveling to Christopher Newport for another afternoon conference double-header. Game 1 first pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM.