DANBURY, CT - Keene State College swept a double header from
Western Connecticut State University, 3-2 in 12 innings and 1-0 at
Westside Field on Sunday afternoon. After being deadlocked through
nine innings, the Owls captured the epic opener with a single run
in each of the final three innings outlasting the Colonials in
front of 200 fans.
In the 12th inning, Jessica Starkey (Keene, NH) started the
inning as a pinch runner at second base and was moved to third on a
sacrifice bunt by Kaity Conklin (Selkik, NY). She came on to score
when Kari Gardner (Grafton, MA) lifted a sacrifice fly to left
field.
WestConn, 13-8 overall and 4-2 in the Little East Conference,
failed to score in the bottom half of the 12th for the final.
In the opener, WestConn's Shelby Slie (Seymour, CT) held the
Owls hitless through 6 2/3 before Gardner laced a single down the
third base line. Slie, who went the distance allowing three hits
and striking out 12, took the loss and drops to 7-2 on the season.
Keene State, 18-4 and 3-3 in the LEC, received an outstanding
performance in the pitching circle from Meghan McLoughlin
(Brattleboro, VT). The 6'0" righty allowed four hits and also
struck out 12.
In the nightcap, the Owls scored the game's lone run on a wild
pitch from WestConn's Brooke Morris (Stamford, CT) in the top half
of the third inning. Morris was issuing Ashlee Nicholson (Swanzey,
NH) an intentional walk when the second pitch sailed to the back
stop scoring Amanda Foote (Hudson, NH).
Nicholson earned the win after allowing seven singles and
striking out three. She improved to 4-3 on the year.
Morris takes the loss after allowing three hits and striking out
three over four innings.
Kristy Swanson (Danbury, CT) came on for the final three innings
for the Colonials. She allowed one hit and struck out two.
Meg Cirigliano (Newington, CT) led WestConn with two hits in the
nightcap. She combined for three hits in seven at bats on the day.
KSC hosts rival Plymouth State on Tuesday (3:30 p.m.).
WestConn host Eastern Connecticut in a crucial double header
this Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.
