BOSTON, Mass, - NEC Softball fell short in the doubleheader today against Emmanuel College. In game 1 a late offensive surge was unsuccessful for the 'Grims falling 8-11 and then took a heartbreaking loss of 12-15.
Game One – EC 11, NEC 8
After allowing one hit to the Pilgrims at the top of the first inning. Emmanuel got off to a fast start with three runs with two homeruns making the score 3-0 at the end of the first. The second and third inning were quick for both sides with only one hit by junior Sydney MacLean (Keene, N.H.) who was able to double with a hit to left field.
At the bottom of the fourth inning and a runner on second, Emmanuel was able to add to their score with a single up the middle but ultimately stranded two on base. The inning brought the bats alive for the 'Grims starting with a walk for senior Surena Montero (Bakersfield, Calif.) and being brought around the horn by a homerun by senior Ashleigh Lemay (Derry, N.H.) which cut the lead in half 4-2. The next two batters were able to reach base with a single and a walk. With two down for the 'Grims, senior Emma Lopez (Downey, Calif.) doubled to left field, bringing another run in. Freshman Makayla Halley (Ventura, Calif.) got in on the action earning a single which tied the game at four.
At the bottom of the inning, Emmanuel put in a pinch batter that was able to bring in a runner from second which added a run. NEC took their first lead in the final inning. Junior Kate Gagne (Portsmouth, N.H.) walked and junior Abigail Grimes (Baltimore, Md.) secured 2 RBIs with a homerun to center. The next three batters reached base, then a walk by Montero allowing Lopez to score to take the lead 7-6. After a pitching change for the Saints, Halley scored after a fly out to center field by sophomore Amanda Magro (Phoenix, Ariz.). The game concluded after a grand slam in the final inning to make it 11-8.
Margo pitched 6.1 innings and struck out four after facing 33 batters.
Game Two – EC 15, NEC 12
The second game got off to a slow start with each team leaving runners on base in the first two innings. Gagne singled to first and then advanced to second after a wild pitch. Senior Grace Giesler (La Mirada, Calif.) earned a walk of her own which brought Grimes to the plate who earned a base with another walk, making the bases loaded. Halley brought them home earning 3 RBIs after a double making the score 3-0.
NEC added two more at the top of the fourth after Giesler singled to left field, making the score 5-0. The bats did not stop at the top of the next inning with Lopez and Halley reaching base with each having singles. Junior Sonia Garcia (Victorville, Calif.) recorded a double securing two RBIs. Before the inning finished the 'Grims scored four more runs, however they left three on base after six runs and five hits.
Emmanuel began to generate momentum at the bottom of the inning, scoring 10 runs off seven hits including a homerun and a double. Leading by one, Garcia scored after a wild pitch at the top of the sixth. The Saints rallied to tie the game on a single to right field that brought in two runs. They then took the lead with a two-run home run and extended it further when a run scored on a fielder's choice with the bases loaded. The Pilgrims could not rally, as the final four batters were held scoreless to end the contest.
Sophomore Mackenzie Yirrell (Methuen, Mass.) pitched 4.2 innings facing 23 batters and striking out two.
The team is back in action tomorrow when they host the newly reinstated Chargers of Colby-Sawyer in Rindge, NH on the campus of Franklin Pierce University. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:00 P.M.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
