Freshman Trio Lead to Saturday's Sweep

By Broadside Sports Editor Brian Chan

Freshman third baseman Rachael Davies became the first Patriot to hit a home run at the newly opened George Mason Field as the Patriots (3-4) swept the Youngstown State Penguins (0-2) in Saturday’s doubleheader.

Junior pitcher Becky Anderson entered the game with a 0.84 ERA. Anderson (2-2) allowed three runs on six hits while striking out seven batters in her fourth complete game this season. She allowed only one hit in the last three innings.

Davies and freshman shortstop Tori Dudley each went 2-for-3. Davies also drove in a run and recorded a stolen base. Jordan Ingalls (0-1), the losing pitcher in the first game, went 3-for-3 with a home run for the Penguins.

After being shut out by Ingalls in the first three innings, the Patriots put together a four-run fourth inning, allowing them to hold on to the win.

Freshman pitcher Brianne Pease (1-2) took the mound in the second game, striking out three of the first four batters she faced. Due to the run-rule in collegiate softball, Pease pitched a five-inning complete game and struck out five batters while allowing an unearned run.

“This game boosted our confidence from our past games. As far as the one run, it’s all about the defense behind me. The five strikeouts are because I know the defense behind me will be able to pick up anything,” said Pease.

Davies put Mason ahead with a two-out solo shot off pitcher Erin Schindler (0-1) to center field in the first inning.

“It was a beautiful pitch,” said Davies.

Pease and Dudley each had two-run singles in the second inning as the Patriots extended the lead to 6-0.

Mason led 8-0 with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, but the Penguins had the bases loaded. The Patriots nearly recorded the last out when they had catcher Amanda Palmore in a rundown between second and third base, but an errant throw from Davies got away from freshman catcher Morgan Davis as third baseman Allyse Ledford scored the Penguins’ first run.

The Patriots scored two more runs in the fifth inning and prevented the Penguins from extending the game.

Davies, Dudley and Pease were among the six Patriots with two hits. Davies recorded three more RBIs in the second game, and Dudley and Pease had two RBIs apiece. Davies raised her batting average from .313 to .409, and Dudley’s 4-for-5 performance improved her average to .381.

The Patriots are closing in on a .500 record with the two wins on Saturday. After winning their season opener, they fell in their last four games in the UCF Early Bird tournament, including their 2-1 loss to the Bradley Braves in extra innings.
“Confidence is going to be our biggest big deal. We’re good and we know we’re good, but we’re going to have play like that,” said Dudley.

Mason hosts the Patriot Classic next week.