The University of Rhode Island softball team went 4-3 over the last seven games, having a three-game series against Loyola University Chicago, a doubleheader against the University of New Haven and another doubleheader against Sacred Heart University.
The Rams started slow, losing the first three games against Loyola University Chicago, but won four straight afterwards against the University of New Haven and Sacred Heart University.
Rhody went scoreless in the first game of the doubleheader, losing 4-0. Second-year starting pitcher Brooke Gerry threw all seven innings, letting up four runs with five strikeouts.
The second game started hot for the Rams, putting up three runs in the first inning. Third-year Sydney Orndorff’s single up the middle put three runs on the board for Rhody due to fielding errors.
It was all Loyola Chicago the rest of the way. The Ramblers scored five unanswered, leading to a 5-3 loss. Rhody went scoreless after the first inning.
The Rams also lost Sunday 7-2. Rhody scored one in the second and another in the third. A solo shot from first-year Brooke Fairbanks came in the second, tying the game at one.
In the third, Loyola Chicago posted two runs in the top of the inning. Rhody responded with an RBI single from third-year Riley Frickleton, making it 3-2. Rhody posted no runs after the third inning, leading to the loss.
Rhody had a big bounce back against New Haven, sweeping the doubleheader.
The first game of the doubleheader on Tuesday resulted in a 4-3 win. It was 1-1 after the first inning. Fourth-year Becca Zawistowski hit a sacrifice fly, scoring first-year Meg McNally.
The Rams took the lead in the fourth, scoring two. RBI singles came from second-year Katie Knarr and second-year Giuliana Ialongo. Fairbanks hit a sacrifice fly to center in the fifth, giving Rhody its fourth run.
New Haven scored one in the third and one in the sixth as well. Despite Rhody’s three errors in the field, the Rams still got it done. Gerry threw all seven innings, with two earned runs allowed, picking up the win.
The second game was a shutout win for the Rams, 3-0. Incredible pitching from third-year Avery Vale-Cruz highlighted the win, letting up only one hit in all seven innings with five strikeouts.
Third-year Rayah Snyder’s bat was on in this game, leading to all three of Rhodys’ runs. Her single in the first scored two. She also had an RBI double in the third. Her hitting, along with Vale-Cruz’s pitching, was the decider in this game.
Rhody won both games in the doubleheader on Wednesday against Sacred Heart.
The Rams took the first game with ease, winning 8-0 in just five innings as the bats were rolling.
Fairbanks doubled in the first inning, starting the scoring for the Rams. Followed up by a Snyder sacrifice fly, the Rams were leading 2-0 after one. Two walks with the bases loaded in the second inning gave Rhody a 4-0 lead.
Three more runs were scored throughout for Rhody. First-year Olivia Kuhnel threw all five innings, allowing zero runs.
The Rams stayed hot at the plate in the second game as well, putting up 11 runs in the victory. Rhody had a big third inning, taking a 5-0 lead. There was no trouble or danger after the third for the Rams.
Sacred Heart had a big fifth inning, scoring four, but it wasn’t enough to get them back into the game. Rhody put up four more runs while Sacred Heart put up five for an 11-5 final.
Knarr had an impressive game at the plate with four RBIs, including a three-run home run, highlighting the Rhody win.
The Rams will travel to New York to play their weekend series against Fordham University. Games are slated to be played Saturday, where a doubleheader will be played at noon and 2 p.m., followed by a game on Sunday at noon. All games will be aired on ESPN+.
