LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ –
Elyse Cuttic (Easton, PA/Bethlehem Catholic) pitched a complete-game shutout and added three hits and three RBI's in Game 2 as the Rider University softball team split with Fairfield Friday afternoon at Herb and Joan Young Field. The Stags won Game 1, 5-0, before the Broncs erupted for eight runs in a six-inning mercy-rule shortened Game 2. With the split, the Broncs move to 8-44 (4-14 MAAC), while the Stags are now 26-20 (10-8 MAAC).
In Game 1, Fairfield had a consistent offensive output with 13 hits, scoring a pair of runs in the second, followed by single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to build a 5-0 lead. The support was more than enough for Stags starting pitcher Lauryn Rhinehart, who didn't allow a hit until there were two outs in the fifth. She'd finish with a complete-game, two-hit shutout, striking out five and walking three.
In Game 2, the Broncs jumped out to a 3-0 lead with a run in the first and two more in the second.
Kelsey Marigliano (Seaford, NY/Plainledge) led off the bottom of the first with a double, moved to third on flyout and scored on a two-out RBI single to left from Cuttic. In the second, the Broncs got a leadoff single from
Kiera Swank (Bear, DE/Caravel Academy) and she moved to second on a groundout.
Gabby Bram's (Jackson, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) sacrifice bunt moved Swank to third and Bram was safe on a throwing error, putting runners on the corners. The Stags got the second out, but Marigliano followed with an RBI single and consecutive walks from
Rachael Zeides (Woodbine, NJ/Ocean City) and
Grace Stansfield (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter) brought in the Broncs' third run.
Rider tacked on three more runs in the fourth to make it 6-0. After new Fairfield pitcher Karisa Hughen retired the first two batters she faced, Marigliano's infield single and Zeides' walk set the table for Stansfield, whose RBI single up the middle scored the Broncs' fourth run. Cuttic and
Lani Moreno (Claremont, CA/Claremont) followed suit to drive Rider's fifth and sixth runs. Rider ended the game with two runs in the sixth. Marigliano led off with a walk and advanced to second on a groundout. She'd score on Cuttic's single up the middle. Cuttic moved to second on the throw home and scored on Moreno's walk-off single through the right side.
QUOTES & NOTES
"Today was a good split for us. It's taken us all season, but we finally played a complete game where we put our pitching, defense and offense all together. I'm proud of the full "team" effort this afternoon and look to continue it tomorrow for our seniors."
– Rider Head Coach Davon Ortega
- Cuttic went the full six innings to earn her first win of the season in Game 2. She limited the Stags to four hits and a walk, while striking out five.
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Debra Jones (Bordentown, NJ/Bordentown) started Game 1 in the circle and went the distance. She took the loss, allowing five earned runs on 13 hits and a walk, while striking out two.
- Rider scored all eight of its runs in Game 2 with two outs.
- The Broncs close out the season Saturday, when they play host to Iona. First pitch is scheduled for noon. Prior to the game, the Broncs will honor their four-member senior class during Senior Day ceremonies.
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Marigliano, Cuttic and Moreno each had three hits on the day. Marigliano scored three runs and added an RBI, while Cuttic had three RBI's and scored one run. Morneo drove in two.
- Marigliano also reached twice via walk.
- Swank added a pair of hits and a run scored.
- Stansfield had a hit, reached on a walk, drove in two and scored once.
- Zeides and Bram each scored once. Zeides drew three free passes, while Bram walked once.
