After splitting with Fairfield yesterday, Marist Softball sought a victory at home against Rider in their doubleheader today.
The Red Foxes held Rider to no runs in the first inning. Junior, Calista Phippen, was on the mound for Marist. Although she walked two players early on, her pitching made up for it as she struck out two of the Riders batters. This ultimately set up Marist with a chance to score first. Senior Caroline Baratta was first at-bat. Without hesitation, Baratta swung and hit a bomb to centerfield. Thanks to the solo shot, Marist led Rider 1-0 heading into the second inning.
The second inning was a good one for Rider. They responded quickly, scoring a total of three runs in the top half of the inning, and Marist quickly trailed 3-1. During the bottom of the second, Marist looked to respond. Freshman Alyssa Grupp was walked, which gave the Red Foxes a jolt of momentum. Next up at bat was junior, Alyssa Yarem. Yarem was hit by a pitch, which sent Grupp to second base. Baratta followed the walk and hit by pitch with a single to left. Yarem advanced to second and Grupp scored. The Red Foxes trailed Rider 3-2 and they were right back in the game.
The pace of the game began to slow down for some time. No runs allowed between the third and sixth innings. The score remained to be 3-2 up until the top of the seventh. Phippen allowed a two-run home run and it was another strong inning for Rider. During the bottom half of the inning, Marist couldn’t get anything going and ended up losing 5-2.
Marist ran back onto the field in hopes to walk away with a victory after an upsetting 5-2 loss. “It was frustrating because every win at this point is so valuable,” head coach Joe Ausanio said. Ausanio also noted it was crucial to remain positive and focus on the next game.
During the top of the first inning, Rider continued to hit efficiently. Sophomore pitcher, Megan Haff, allowed two runs which gave Rider an early 2-0 lead. Although the momentum was in the Broncs favor, the Red Foxes refused to give up. Freshman, Miah McDonald, hit a two-run home run to left field which tied the game. Marist continued to hit well in the second inning as Baratta doubled in Hunter Hand. At this point in the game, Marist reclaimed the lead at a score of 3-2.
The game began to intensify during the sixth inning. Rider was hitting confidently and managed to get some of their players on base. Right as the Broncs began to heat up, the Red Foxes made a miraculous double play.
“It’s something we work on and we executed it correctly, and it definitely was a momentum changer,” Ausanio said about the double play.
Graduate Student, Julia Blarr hit a beautiful 3 run homer sailing out to left field, capping off the Red Foxes nine-run sixth inning.
The Red Foxes advance to a 4-6 record and they prepare to face the Broncs again tomorrow at noon in yet another doubleheader.
Edited by Nicholas Stanziale
Photo Credits: Marist College Athletics