NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Penn State Harrisburg softball team traveled to Christopher Newport on Sunday afternoon for a conference double-header, but things did not go well for the Blue and White. After struggling to find a win the day before against Mary Washington, the Lions were unable to rebound against the conference-leading Captains. Here's how it played out:
Game 1
With two outs in the top of the first innings, Emily Parmer was able to get the Lions on the board first with a solo homerun to center field. 1-0 Lions
The lead would not hold for very long, however, as the Captains managed to score two in their half of the inning. With one out, Liz Andrews grounded out the first base, but the play allowed for the runner stationed on third base to come home and score. A fielding error by SS Jenna Rupakus in the following at-bat would allow another run to score from third. 2-1 Captains
The home team would extend their lead by another four runs in the bottom of the second inning. With one out and runners at third and second bases, Leah Andrews would smack a double up the middle, scoring both runners. A Rachael Payne single to shortstop, followed by a Liz Andrews double to right center field, would score two more runs before the Lions could close out the inning. 6-1 Captains
Penn State Harrisburg would scratch away at their deficit in the top of the third inning. With two out and two on, Amanda Hartman doubled to right field, scoring both of the runners. 6-3 Captains
Things would begin to get ugly for the Blue and White in the bottom half of the third inning. Before all was said and done, the Captains would score another five runs. The first run came on a Rachael Shiflett single to left center field with no outs. A two-RBI single by Leah Andrews would follow a few batters later. After a sacrifice bunt by Grace Wild would advance two more runners into scoring position, Rachael Payne would smack a single through the left side, scoring two. 11-3 Captains
The game would be called early due to the eight-run lead after five innings.
Penn State Harrisburg 3 Christopher Newport 11
WP: Maiven McKnight (8-0) LP: Amanda Hartman (3-3)
Game 2
Christopher Newport would score first in this one, collecting two runs in the bottom of the first inning. A Liz Andrews double down the right field line with only one out would score runners from second and first base. 2-0 Captains
The Captains would double their lead in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run homerun off the bat of Rachael Payne. 4-0 Captains
The Lions would induce a small rally in the top of the fourth inning by cutting the lead in half. After an Erelle Sowers sacrifice bunt more Kayla Seyfert in to scoring position, Emily Parmer would knock a double to center field, scoring the baserunner from second. Parmer would eventually finish her trip around the bases on a single to right field by Allison Hartman. 4-2 Captains
The Captains would combine for another six runs in the fourth and fifth innings before the eight-run mercy rule would again come into effect. 10-2 Captains
Penn State Harrisburg 2 Christopher Newport 10
WP: Tara Heatwole (6-5) LP: Allison Hartman (4-4)
Records:
Penn State Harrisburg: 10-8 (2-4 CAC)
Christopher Newport: 21-7 (6-0 CAC)
Standout Lions:
Amanda Hartman (3-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI)
Kayla Seyfert (3-6, 2 R)
Up Next:
Penn State Harrisburg will try to right the ship when they return home to face York College (Pa.) for two games on Wednesday, April 5th. Game 1 first pitch is scheduled for 3:00 PM