Softball Strong Early, Falls Late On Day Four Of Myrtle Beach Trip

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) softball team dropped a pair of non-conference contests on day four of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic, 10-2 to Fitchburg State University (FSU), and 19-6 to Gettysburg College (GC), at the NMB Sports Complex Wednesday afternoon.

The Blue Jays kept pace to start, but were eventually worn down by large scoring innings in each game, allowing all 10 runs to FSU from the fourth inning on. GC opened it up with seven runs in the fourth and fifth inning. Saint Joseph will return to the circle when they take on Greenville and Keystone on Thursday, March 12, for day five of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic.

GAME INFORMATION
Game 1: Saint Joseph 2, Fitchburg St. 10
Game 2: Saint Joseph 6, Gettysburg 19
Records: USJ (0-8), FSU (4-1), GC (7-2)
Location: NMB Sports Complex | N. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

COACH QUOTE [Jim McKinnon]
"We ran into two very tough teams today, but there were some high moments. We are happy to have some players back and everybody is starting to play better. Our effort is always there, and although our record doesn't show it, I feel we will be ready for our conference schedule and to defend our championship."

KEY MOMENTS

• Game 1: Both starting pitchers were rock-solid to start the game, as the Blue Jays grabbed the only run combined in the first three innings, an RBI single from senior captain and designated player McKenna Driscoll (Bristol, Conn.). The Falcons erupted for five runs in the fourth though, blowing the game wide open. They added another five runs in the fifth and sixth, ending the game under the mercy rule (eight run lead after five innings ends the contest).
• Game 2: After a three-run first inning, Junior pitcher and tri-captain Alessandra Milardo (Plantsville, Conn.) got it all back herself with a grand slam to center field, making it 4-3 Blue Jays. Unfortunately for USJ, there was no letup with GC, scoring seven runs in the third and fourth inning on a variety of hits, including four triples on the game. The Bullets walked away with a double-digit win in the end.

NUMBER TO KNOW

1 – The Blue Jays held a one-run lead in both games, but were unable to hang onto the lead as the contests carried on.

NOTES (Game 1)

• Freshman pitcher Sarah Cahill (Mansfield, Mass.) picked up the win (2-0) for the Falcons, allowing two runs on four hits in three and a third innings of action. Sophomore pitcher Natalie Amato (Cheshire, Conn.) was dealt the loss (0-3), allowing seven runs on eight hits in five innings. She also struck out seven.

NOTES (Game 2)

• Freshman pitcher Jasmin Herrera (Hollywood, Fla.) picked up the win (3-0), allowing just two runs in four innings. Her Bullet teammate, sophomore pitcher Skylar Spinner (Montebello, N.Y.) settled in after giving up the grand slam to Milardo. Milardo was dealt the loss in six innings of work.

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays are playing in Myrtle Beach as part of a week-long trip of non-conference softball action, continuing on with day five of the Fastpitch Dreams Spring Classic against Greenville and Keystone on Thursday, March 12.

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