BRIGHTON, Mass. – Simmons softball (12-19, 8-4 GNAC) closed out the week splitting Sunday afternoon's twin-bill against River University (12-15, 5-5 GNAC) with a 4-2 victory in game one.
GAME 1: Simmons 4, Rivier 2
The Sharks took an early 1-0 lead scoring in the home half of the first. Junior centerfielder Raya Anderson led off the frame poking a single into right field then quickly got herself into scoring position swiping seconds. After sophomore Emma Soule pulled a single through the left side of the infield to give the Sharks runners at the corners and only one out, senior right fielder Jordyn Rubin drove in the game's first run with ground out to second to plate Anderson.
Sophomore right-hander Piper Kinney was unhittable in the early innings, striking out the first six batters she faced in the game. However, in the top of the third the Raiders took advantage of a lead-off walk and a hit-by-pitch to score two runs to take a 2-1 lead.
Rivier looked poised to score more with back-to-back singles in the fourth, but an exceptional grab by Rubin in right field saved two runs and turned momentum around. Kinney went on to retire the next two batters on strikes as the Sharks tied up the game scoring in the home half.
With momentum on their side, the Sharks used some small-ball to re-gain the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Anderson reached on a bunt single, then advance to third on a single down the right field line off the bat of Deleault. Moments later, the Raiders caught Deleault's attempt to steal second, but in the back door came Anderson with the go-ahead run.
Simmons added an insurance run an inning later, but it was more than enough for Kinney. Kinney tossed her 13th complete game of the season, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out 14 Raiders.
GAME 2: Rivier 5, Simmons 0
The second game of the double-header was scoreless through the first four full innings. Sophomore right-hander Ally Hyde kept the Raider batters off balance registering six strikeouts through the first three our innings.
In the top of the fourth the Raiders were threatening to score following a lead-off double into left field, but Hyde eliminated the threat striking out Christina Panagiotopoulos and Kayla Miles. But the Raiders were finally able to get on the board, batting around to put up a crooked number five in the fifth.
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS
- Junior centerfielder Raya Anderson went two-for-two in game one with a pair of runs scored, scoring the game-winning run in the bottom of the fifth.
- Sophomore right-hander Piper Kinney struck out 14 Raiders over seven innings in game one, then tossed 2.2 innings of relief striking out three in game two.
- Senior Jordyn Rubin went one-for-three with an RBI in game one's win.
UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the diamond on Wednesday, April 24 when they host Emmanuel College. First pitch at 5 p.m.