ROCHESTER, NY - Nazareth softball dominated its doubleheader against Hartwick on Friday, erupting for 21 total runs across two shortened games at Flyer Field. The Golden Flyers took game one 12-4 and won game two 9-0. Explosive offense and strong pitching helps Nazareth improve to 8-6 overall and 3-1 in Empire 8 play.
GAME ONE: NAZARETH 12, HARTWICK 4
How It Happened:
- Hartwick got the scoring started in the top of the first, putting up two runs. Nazareth responded with a run of their own, courtesy of Kaijah Alexander after Haleigh Suitor was caught stealing second.
- In the bottom of the second, Madison Hicks homered to left center, tying the ball game, 2-2.
- The top of the second saw Hartwick regain the lead, as they scored two more runs.
- The Golden Flyers pulled away in the bottom of the third, scoring 10 runs to take a 12-4 lead. Kaijah Alexander and reigning Empire 8 player of the week, Haleigh Suitor got things started, hitting back to back bombs. Alexander batted in three RBIs then Suitor followed with a solo homer. Shortly after, Ella Maloney scored an unearned run off a Hartwick error. Then Bryanna Moroughan tripled to left center, allowing three Golden Flyers to score. Morgan Russo wrapped up the inning, hitting a two run homer to centerfield.
- The third inning was followed by a scoreless fourth.
- Nazareth finished off game one in the top of the fifth as Avery Zembek struck out three Hartwick batters in a row.
Game Notes:
GAME TWO: NAZARETH 9, HARTWICK 0
How It Happened:
- With runners on second and third for Hartwick, a double play by left fielder Haleigh Suitor and catcher Ella Maloney closed out the inning for Nazareth
- Morgan Russo got Nazareth started early, hitting a two run homer in the bottom of the first. Alexis Brown followed it up with a sacrifice fly which allowed Kaijah Alexander to score, giving Nazareth a 3-0 lead after the first inning.
- The Golden Flyers would make it 4-0 in the second inning as Morgan Russo singled to left center which brought Ruby Marrapese home.
- Amanda Linnenbrink stood tall on the mound through three innings, striking out 5/10 batters faced to hold Hartwick scoreless.
- Nazareth would begin to separate from Hartwick in the bottom of the fifth. Bryanna Moroughan started things off with a single to left field to bring Emma Maloney home. Just after, Morgan Russo would hit her second home run of the game, bringing in the three batters. To follow that up, Madison Hicks hit a blast to deep centerfield, giving Nazareth a 9-0 lead.
- Nazareth closed out Hartwick in five innings again as Amanda Linnenbrink didn't allow a run in the top of the fifth.
Games Notes:
What's Next:
- The Golden Flyers are back at it tomorrow, April 3rd as they host Russel Sage at 1 and 3 p.m at Flyer Field.
