The University of Rhode Island softball team (12-22) started its weekend series at home with a 1-0 victory against George Washington University (20-20) before falling short in the final two games of the series, losing 5-4 and 6-3 respectively.
In the first game of the Rams’ series against George Washington the story was URI freshman pitcher Becca Rogers’ (9-6) complete game and shut out performance. Rogers had to be at the top of her game during her seven-inning outing, because GW’s Sarah Costlow was prepared for a pitching duel. Rogers and Costlow each had five strikeouts on the day and only allowed two hits a piece. The game ended up coming down to which team would be able to provide their pitcher with more run support.
For URI, its lone run came with two outs in the bottom of the second inning. Junior outfielder Danielle Gariglio drove in sophomore Kylie Shivery with a base hit up the middle for the eventual winning run.
Sunday was a different story for the Rams, starting with a wildly unfortunate 5-4 loss. As the top of the seventh inning began, Rhode Island held a comfortable 4-1 lead against George Washington. Shivery was responsible for three of the four runs for Rhode Island, hitting a triple and a double, driving two runners home and scoring a run herself.
The Colonials quickly erased the deficit after scoring four runs in the inning off of two doubles to take the 5-4 lead. Rhode Island had its chance to take back the lead once and for all in the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases full and only one out, but Lauren Klepchick was tagged out at home plate off of a fielder’s choice, followed by a game ending strikeout. Rogers was given the loss for Rhode Island in five innings pitched, allowing four earned runs, five hits, and striking out three.
In the second game of the Saturday doubleheader, George Washington found a way to come back again and erase an early Rhode Island lead. The two sides were tied up 3-3 in the top of the seventh inning when GW scored three runs again off of two doubles to go in front 6-3.
The Rams had another opportunity in the game’s final frame with Shivery and junior first baseman Jenna Cubello both on base due to walks. Rhode Island was unable to cease the opportunity with two foul outs and a ground out, ending the game at 6-3.
Head coach Bridget Hurlman had a positive perspective following two tough losses to end a home series.
“Against George Washington I honestly thought we played some of our best softball of the season, the second two games just did not go our way late,†Hurlman said. “Our girls showed tremendous heart in each game, and we were unlucky to only pick up one win in that series.”
Following a Thursday cancellation of what was a scheduled two day series against Central Connecticut State University, Rhode Island will host Fordham University next weekend April 23-24th in a three game home stand at Bill Beck Field.
“Although we scored a good amount of runs in the last couple series we also allowed our fair share,†Hurlman said. “We need some improvement in hitting late game RBI’s and holding our leads late.â€