April 14, 2010

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Scoring the game-winning run on an errant throw to Drexel's pitcher, the Saint Joseph's softball team downed the Dragons, 2-1, in nine innings Wednesday afternoon.

Saint Joseph's freshman Rochelle Christman singled to lead off the bottom of the ninth and advanced to second on a fielding error by the right fielder. Classmate Deanna Stinner followed, trying to advance her teammate on a sacrifice bunt. On the play, Christman beat the tag at third, with Stinner safely reaching at first. The ensuing throw back to Drexel's pitcher, Hillary Allen, the ball glanced off the end of her glove and into foul territory on the first base side, allowing Christman to score the game-winning run.

Saint Joseph's sophomore pitcher Erin Gallagher put together another stellar outing, blanking the Drexel batters over the first six innings. Gallagher allowed just two walks to keep the Dragons off the scoreboard.

The game's first run came in the bottom of the sixth as Saint Joseph's took advantage of its base running. The Hawks had runners at the corners with Christman at the plate. With the count one ball and one strike, senior Brooke Darreff broke from first in an attempt to steal second.

On the throw down to second, SJU junior Laura Cardone broke for home. The Hawks' starting center fielder slid behind the tag of Drexel's catcher, Ashley Botelho, touching home safely to put SJU up 1-0.

Three outs away from her second no hitter of the year, Gallagher's bid was wiped away. With one away in the top of the seventh. The Dragons' Botelho hit a solo home run to center field to tie the game at one all.

Gallagher received a no decision, allowing just one run on two hits, while striking out 13. Freshman Taryn Ashway earned the win, pitching two innings of scoreless relief to go to 4-6 on the year.

The Hawks return to action Friday at Charlotte. Game time is set for 4 p.m.