Bronx, N.Y. – After a schedule change and two rain delays, Fordham and George Mason softball finally began their three-game series on Saturday afternoon at Bahoshy Field. Ultimately, the Patriots took the opening contest, 3-1, in what was a pitcher's duel until late. The Rams fall to 10-16 and 2-2 in league action, while Mason improves to 18-13 and 5-2, respectively.
Devon Miller and Aly Rayle were locked in a battle for over four frames until the Rams struck first.
Sarah Taffet led off the fifth with a single, moved to second on
Amanda Carey's sac bunt, and scored on
Michaela Carter's two-out single to left center. Fordham would load the bases but Rayle was able to strike out
Julia Martine to escape further damage.
The Patriots rallied quickly, however, and immediately tied the contest up through a Nicole Bechtel solo home run to left center. A double, walk, and single plated what proved to be the go-ahead run and an insurance run crossed on a sacrifice fly, though Carey was able to throw out Maddy Myers attempting to move to third during the throw home. Rayle then worked a pair of 1-2-3 frames to see out the victory.
Carter led the way with two hits, with Miller, Taffet, and
Bella Ayala, who doubled off the bench in the fifth, providing the other knocks. Miller was saddled with the tough loss to fall to 3-5, though the senior went the distance and struck out four.
The two schools meet on Sunday to finish the three-game series. The doubleheader begins at noon on MSG Networks and ESPN3.
