Newark, NJ | A late comeback sealed the deal for the Scarlet Raiders softball squad in game two, however, the Osprey's of Stockton University came out strong in game two to split an NJAC doubleheader this afternoon at Frederick Douglass Field. The late rally gave the Scarlet Raiders a 9-8 win before the Osprey's stormed back in game two for a 14-4 victory.
Game 1: Rutgers-Newark 9, Stockton 8.
Michelle Capizzano got the start in the circle for Rutgers-Newark (10-16, 3-3 NJAC) but it was
Paige Masiello (4-5) who earned the win. Capizzano pitched five innings and struck out three while allowing seven runs on eight hits. Masiello entered in the sixth and tossed 30 pitches with one strikeout while allowing just three hits and one run.
Riley Scuralli picked up three RBI while going 2-for-4 from the dish.
Alyssa Morales joined Scuralli as the only other Scarlet Raider to tally two hits in the game. Both
Sarah Stiehler and
Julie Contravo picked up a pair of RBI as well.
Stockton University (13-11, 2-4 NJAC) used a trio of pitchers but it was ultimately Angie Dunphy (1-1) who picked up the loss in the opening game after throwing just 18 pitches. Morgan DiVello went 2-for-3 with two runs while Alexandra Cosenzo went 1-for-2 with a pair of RBI.
There were just two runs scored through four innings of play, both of which belonged to Stockton University. The Osprey's added five more to their total in the top of the fifth which made it seem it was their game. Fortunately for the Scarlet Raiders, they've been in this position before and have come out on top.
That was no different this afternoon as Rutgers-Newark started their rally in the bottom of the six where they were able to cut the lead down to just three after scoring four runs.
Jaclyn Arute was first on the bases as she reached via a base on balls.
Brielle Mattiello would be hit by a pitch followed by
Jackie Lara and
Julie Contravo walks. Stiehler singled to shallow center field to collect an RBI. Scuralli then hit a hard line drive through the right side to bring home two more runs.
With the momentum fully on their side, the Scarlet Raiders were able to limit the Osprey's to just one run in the top of the seventh before Morales laid down a walk-off bunt to bring home Stiehler from third to cap off a five-run inning.
Game 2: Stockton 14, Rutgers-Newark 4 (5inn.)
The Scarlet Raiders tallied just five hits in the second game, two of which were generated by
Sam Morton who finished the second game 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Lara (4-4) went 2.1 innings and tossed 66 pitches before being replaced by Capizzano.
Lilly James was the powerhouse for the Osprey's in game two, going 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs. Meg Murzello also had a nice outing at the dish as she finished 3-for-4 with two runs and one RBI.
The Osprey's came out for revenge in game two, putting up three quick runs in the first inning. The Scarlet Raiders, still hot after that comeback win, tallied a pair in their part of the opening stanza which had the makings of a close game.
Stockton exploded for eight runs in the top of the third, to jump out to an 11-2 lead. The Osprey's used five hits to score eight runs and left just one runner on the bases when the inning came to a close. The Osprey's weren't done scoring either, as the added another trio of runs in the top of the fifth to make sure the mercy rule stayed in effect.
Rutgers-Newark looked to be making another rally, scoring two runs in the bottom of the fifth when
Emily Bartus reached on a fielding error followed by a Morton single up the middle. The rally would come to an end at just two runs to complete the afternoon.
The Scarlet Raiders return to action on Tuesday, April 9 against Kean University in Union, NJ at 3:00 pm.
