McCann Fades In Loss To Central
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The McCann Tech softball team started well against Central on Friday, but it was the way the Hornets finished the game that ultimately sent them to their ninth straight defeat.Robin Finnegan's club started strong, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning to give McCann (1-11) an early lead. The Hornets added another run in the top of the fourth, but the Golden Eagles quickly tied it with three runs in the bottom half of the frame. Central then took advantage of eight walks by McCann starter Erika Ziemba and four errors by the Hornets' defense to score eight runs combined over the fifth and sixth innings.
"This was a well-played game by both teams for four innings," Finnegan said. "Walks and a huge mental breakdown on our end did us in. We are making our pitcher throw too many pitches."
Ziemba ended up taking the loss, striking out three in a complete-game effort. Other than those eight walks, Ziemba allowed only six hits and four earned runs. She also had another good day with the bat, going 2-for-3 with a triple, a walk and one run batted in. Sophomore Jordan Prevey also had a hit and scored a run for McCann, which collected six hits total off of Eagles' starter Shayla Gladden.
Gladden allowed one earned run and five walks while striking out one to earn the win. Thalia Cruz led the Central offense with three RBIs, while teammate Kyara Marti finished with two hits and two RBIs.
The Hornets next play at Easthampton at 4 p.m. on Thursday.