Kingston, RI ? The University of Hartford softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader against the University of Rhode Island Rams at the URI Softball Complex in Kingston on Tuesday afternoon. The Hawks fell to the Rams by a 5-1 final in the first game before dropping a 12-4 decision in the nightcap.
In the afternoon's opening game, Rhode Island notched single runs on the scoreboard in each the first and second innings to take an early 2-0 advantage over the Hawks. Amanda Sbei scored the Rams' first run in the bottom of the opening frame, reaching base after being hit by a Sierra Sheehan pitch and advancing home on an RBI double off the bat of Courtney Prendergast. The Rams plated their second run in as many innings on an infield ground out to the shortstop by Sbei, scoring Alyse Fram from third base.
Hartford scored its lone run of the game in the top half of the third inning. An infield error by Rhode Island shortstop Prendergrastt allowed the Hawks' first batter of the inning, Kayla Demarest, to reach base. Back-to-back walks issued by Rhode Island hurler Torres loaded the bases with Demarest, Messinger and Sais on the bags for Hartford with just one out. Alison Hartzell replaced Rams' starter Odalys Torres inside the circle, and with two outs, walked Cericola, plating Demarest for the Hawks' first and only run of the game.
With a 2-1 lead, Rhode Island plated three more runs insurance runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Brittany Julich drove two Rams home on a triple to right field, and scored on a double by Prendergrastt.
Rookie Sheehan pitched six innings for the Hawks, allowing five earned runs on seven hits while recording four strikeouts. Torres worked 2.1 innings for the Rams, allowing one run which was unearned. Hartzell earned the win for Rhode Island, throwing for 4.2 innings, giving up two hits and striking out six batters.
In the nightcap, Rhode Island (9-28 overall) plated 12 runs on 17 hits in five innings to complete the doubleheader sweep of Hartford (13-16 overall, 6-4 AE) by a final of 12-4.
Rhode Island jumped out on the Hawks early, taking a quick 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a two run homer by Leah DiBussolo. The Rams plated five more runs in the third and a single run in the fourth to take an 8-0 lead over Hartford.
The Hawks knocked in four runs in the top of the fifth inning to keep themselves alive. Hartford centerfielder Kristen Cericola drove in the Hawks' first run of the game, scoring left fielder Shannon Simpkins on a single up the middle of the infield. With runners on all of the bases, Clonick drilled a base hit down the middle, scoring senior Catherine Granato. With the still bases juiced, a single off the bat of Olivia Piacentini plated Cericol and Kyzer for Hartford's final runs of the game.
The four-run rally in the fifth inning was not enough to keep the Hawks in the game as Rhode Island plated four of their own off of five hits to take an eight run lead, allowing the mercy rule to take effect to close out the game.
Hartford sophomore Amanda Farnan took the loss inside the circle. In her first appearance of the season, the hurler gave up 12 runs ? 10 earned ? on 17 hits in four innings of action. Clonick led the Hartford bats, finishing a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.
The Hawks will return to action on Thursday, April 16 when they host a non-conference mid-week doubleheader with in-state rival Fairfield. Game time is slated for 2:30 p.m.
