Badgers Take Both from Host Wildcats

For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2012

Badgers Take Both from Host Wildcats

LONGMEADOW, Mass.- Sophomore shortstop Emily Serrano (North Adams, Mass.) topped all players batting .714 going 5-for-7  adding three runs, four RBI and a double.  Despite scoring eleven runs in thirteen innings the Wildcats fell in game one 14-6 and 8-5 in the nightcap to the Badgers of Johnson State.  Three Wildcats managed to hit safely in both contests including Serrano and a freshman duo of infielder/pitcher Marina Rhodes (Providence, R.I.) and centerfielder Katherine Chabot (Brookfield, Mass.).

Leading the way for Johnson State was sophomore outfielder Amber McCullock (Morrisville, Vt.) who batted .625 for the day going 5-for-8 with three runs and one RBI.

In game one, Johnson State took the early lead scoring six runs in the top of the second. Bay Path answered back scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning. Both teams added a run in the third.  The Badgers score another run in the fourth, while Bay Path tried for a comeback scoring their final two runs in the fifth. Johnson State would secure the game scoring six more runs in the sixth.

Sophomore infielder Erica Pustari (North Haven, Conn.) started the rally in the sixth after sending a double shot through the left side. Pustari scored off a sophomore Emily Himberg (Williston, Vt.) single though the right side. Junior infielder Tanya Randall (Fryeburg, Maine) would continue the hitting streak sending one through the left side plating teammate senior Morgan Rogerson (Hardwick, Vt.). The Badgers would take advantage of some errors and score three more runs with Randall, freshman Amanda McLean (Woodhaven, N.Y.) and junior pitcher Maegan Russ (Burlington, Vt.) helping the cause.

Russ performed both in the circle and at the plate going 2-for-3 with three runs and four RBI along with garnering the win going six innings giving up six runs, five earned on eight hits. She fanned four and walked four for the outing. Rhodes suffered the loss for Bay Path  giving up 14 runs, eight earned on 12 hits. She struck out one and walked five for the contest. 

Serrano went a perfect 3-for-3 for the game.

In the nightcap, Johnson scored three quick with Pustari, Rogerson and Himberg crossing home plate. Rogerson shellacked a triple shot in the cleanup slot. While Himberg singled in the five spot for the Badgers. Mclean finished off the hitting and notched the final RBI of the inning.

Chabot scored the Wildcats only run in the first effectively running the bases taking advantage of some wild pitches.

Johnson State scored two more in the second and one more in the third with Randall crossing the plate as the eventual game winner off of a McLean double.

Bay Path rallied in the bottom of the third scoring four, putting the Wildcats within one run of the Badgers. Serrano hit one to left field. Chabot, Rhodes and senior Emily Evans (Westford, Mass.) all scored taking advantage of a fielding error by the Badgers. Serrano would later score off a single shot through the left side by sophomore pitcher Keelin Dougherty (Northfield, N.H.).

Johnson State would add two more insurance runs in the fourth and sixth inning. Pustari would plate McCullock on a sac fly to left field, while freshman Kirsten Rand (Colchester, Vt.) would cross the plate for the final time for the Badgers.

Freshman hurler Kristy McDonnell (Quechee, Vt.) notched the victory allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits. She struck out three and walked two for the outing. Dougherty suffered the loss giving up eight runs, seven earned, on eight hits. Dougherty fanned on for her seven innings of work.

Johnson State is now 4-9, while Bay Path is 2-14. The Wildcats will host MCLA tomorrow in another double header staring at 1:00 p.m.