Rider University 6, La Salle University 3
La Salle University 8, Rider University 0 (5 inn.)
PHILADELPHIA, PA?The Broncs split a doubleheader at La Salle Thursday that was rained out on Tuesday. “It was a long time between games with all of the rain,” said head coach Tricia Carroll. “It truly felt great just to go out and play today. It was a beautiful day.”
In the first game Rider junior Candice Harris (Las Vegas, NV/Coronado) hit a grand slam home run, her team-high eighth home run of the season, to give Rider a 6-3 lead in the sixth inning. Harris and senior Katy Mills (Seattle, Wash./Mount Rainier) each had two of Rider's eight hits.
Bronc sophomore Brittany Eckett (Jackson/Jackson Memorial) hit a two-run home run, her seventh of the season, to cut the lead to 3-2 in the third inning. “Brittany's hit got us going,” Carroll said.
Rider freshman Kelsey Krisch (Parker, Colo./Council Rock HS North) pitched a complete game, striking out seven while allowing two earned runs for her third victory.
“Kelsey pitched well,” Carroll said. “She had a rough first two innings but settled down after that.”
La Salle took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on three singles, and made it 3-0 in the second inning with an unearned run.
Rider junior Allyson Melia (Toms River/Toms River HS North) led off the first game with a single and leads Rider with 39 hits.
In the second game La Salle pitcher Gina Massaro pitched a five-inning no-hitter. The Explorers (6-23) scored four runs in the first inning on a grand slam of their own following a hit batsman and two walks.
Rider freshman pitcher Rachael Matreale (Williamstown) struck out nine in just four innings.
“We didn't have too much go well for the second game,” Carroll said. “Rachaell hung in but got a little frustrated after giving up a grand slam early in the game.”
This was Rider's first time on the field in eight days with six games rained out.
La Salle swept Rider last season in Lawrenceville. Rider had not defeated La Salle since 2001, losing the last six meetings. Rider leads the all-time series 17-14, a series that began in 1981.
Rider (10-26) hosts Monmouth Tuesday. The Monmouth game was originally scheduled for April 11 but was rained out.
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