Devils Drop the Ball in the Sixth
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- A chance for a fifth straight win and an upset victory over powerhouse Wahconah went by the wayside on
Monday when the Drury softball team gave up six runs in the sixth inning to lose 7-6 at home. For most of the game, it looked as if the Blue Devils (6-3) were going to hand the Warriors (8-1) just their second loss of the season. Mary Ann Maroni's club recorded nine hits against Wahconah starter Sam Burgner and slowly built its lead all game until it held a 6-1 advantage heading into the top of the sixth.
After falling behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning, Drury quickly took its first lead of the game by scoring twice in the bottom of the frame. Seniors Kait Moresi and Ashley Mirante each had doubles in the inning to spark the attack. The Blue Devils added another run in the third inning before freshman starter Cat Record helped her own cause with a solo shot over the right-center field fence in the fourth frame. Maroni's squad scored twice more in the fifth on a two-run single by Kelsey Ouimet to open up what most fans thought was a decisive 6-1 lead.
Record kept the Warriors bats quiet through the first five innings but she began to tire in the sixth. With one out, Sara Hamilton started things off for Wahconah with a solo home run over the fence in left field. The Warriors went on to collect four of their five hits in the sixth inning and worked their way to four walks, the last two of which were given up by junior Lyndsey DeGrenier after she relieved Record with two outs in the inning.
Drury threatened in the sixth but left runners on first and second base to end the inning.
"We had them hook, line and sinker, and let them wiggle away in the sixth inning," Maroni said. "The day wasn't a wash, however, as we touched Burgner for nine hits on the day, including four extra-base hits. A little more experience will bring the composure needed to win when the chips are down."
Record gave up just five hits with two strikeouts and three walks to drop her season record to 5-2. Both DeGrenier and Moresi were very steady at the plate, each collecting two hits to go along with two runs scored.
The Blue Devils next play at Pittsfield at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday.