Huge Second Inning Leads to Softball's 16-2 Win over Hofstra

Highlights

Bronx, N.Y. – A wild second inning that saw 12 runs score on seven walks, six hits, and two errors led to the Fordham softball team defeating Hofstra, 16-2, in five innings on Wednesday afternoon at Bahoshy Field. With the win, their seventh straight, the Rams improve to 19-20 overall on the year, while the Pride fall to 18-21.

"Happy to see us continue to swing the bats well and stay disciplined at the plate," Head coach Melissa Inouye said, "It's nice to see some consistent production out of our 7-8-9 hitters, as well, as Kylie, Sarah, and Deanna have been having quality at-bats lately. Mak did a good job settling into a rhythm after a longer first inning and then Aughie coming in to close the door."
 
Before that marathon frame, the Rams took an early 1-0 lead and the Pride answered with two runs in the top half of the second. Making her first career start, Makenzie McGrath worked out of a one-out bases-loaded jam in the first inning, getting Angelina Ioppolo to strike out and inducing a flyout by Devyn Losco.
 
Chelsea Skrepenak led off the bottom half with a double to right center and came around to score on Molly Roark's hard-hit single to left. The Pride responded with a pair of runs on a two-out, two-run double by Meghan Giordano. After a popout to end the inning, the fireworks started at Bahoshy.
 
Maria Trivelpiece walked and Kylie Michael reached on a fielder's choice with Trivelpiece getting to second on a throwing error by Kasey Collins. Sarah Taffet sacrificed them over with a bunt before Deanna Burbridge drove in Trivelpiece with a single to right. Burbridge stole second and Skrepenak walked to load the bases. Jordy Storm also drew a walk to drive in a run and Madie Aughinbaugh singled up the middle to plate another. Trivelpiece walked in a run before Michael smoked a two-run double to left center. Taffet then powered a single up the middle to drive in two more. Skrepeank beat out an infield single to drive in one more and Hubertus capped the offensive explosion with a single through the left side to score her.
 
McGrath worked around a two-out walk in an otherwise clean third inning to complete her day in the circle, picking up her sixth win. Taffet ripped an RBI double to right center to score Trivelpiece, who had singled to left center to add a run in the third and Aughinbaugh, in for McGrath in relief, worked around a leadoff walk to get through her first inning of work. The Rams added two more on a fielder's choice by Michael and an infield single by Taffet. Brielle Cerchio pinch hit in the frame, lining out sharply to center, followed by Gianna Ranieri, who walked, and Gigi Speer, who struck out to end the inning. Aughinbaugh allowed an infield single but saw out the game's finish with an otherwise perfect frame.
 
All nine Fordham starters notched at least one run and one RBI and all but Storm recorded at least one hit. The Rams notched 13 hits in 26 at-bats, 16 runs and nine walks overall. Taffet led the way with three hits in her three at-bats, driving in a career-high four runs and scoring once herself. Michael continued her hot hitting with two more hits, three RBI, and two runs scored. Aughinbaugh and Skrepenak each tallied two hits, as well, the latter scoring three times, the former twice. Trivelpiece walked three times, singled, and scored three times, while Roark and Storm each walked twice apiece.
 
McGrath moved to 6-3 on the year with three two-run innings with five hits allowed, three walks, and a strikeout. Aughinbaugh allowed just one infield single and a walk while striking out four over her two innings.
 
The Rams are back in action this Friday and Saturday against Saint Joseph's. Friday's series opener is set for 11 a.m., while Saturday's doubleheader is set for noon. There is potential inclement weather, however, that may change the schedule. Fans are encouraged to stay abreast of any changes on FordhamSports.com and by following the team on social media (@FordhamSoftball).