May 4, 2013

Box Score

BRONX, N.Y. - The Saint Joseph's softball team took advantage of a key error by Fordham as the Hawks topped the Rams, 3-2, Saturday afternoon. Sophomore Melissa Ruf scored the game-winning run and freshman Liz Mendez picked up the victory in relief as SJU improved to 15-5 in the Atlantic 10 and 32-8-1 overall.

The Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third courtesy of senior Dana Parks. With one out and classmate Rochelle Christman at second, Parks doubled to left field, scoring Christman to make it 1-0. Following a ground out that advanced Parks to third, the starting centerfielder would sprint home on a wild pitch to make it 2-0.

Fordham would strike for two runs with no outs to start the bottom of the inning, chasing SJU starting pitcher Taryn Ashway. With runners at second and third and no outs, Mendez came in and got SJU out of trouble, retiring the next three Rams to keep the score tied at 2-2.

The game would remain tied going to the sixth, but the Hawks would take advantage of a fielding error by Fordham's second baseman. Ruf reached on a since and stole second, but was in scoring position with two outs. Freshman Sarah Yoos would scream a shot to second base that the defender couldn't handle, reaching safely and allowing Ruf to cross the plate to make it 3-2.

Mendez would allow a hit in both the sixth and seventh, but got out of trouble each time to earn the win to improve to 7-5 on the year.

Parks, Ruf, Christman and freshman Brandi Harkness had a hit each for SJU.

Saint Joseph's caps the regular Sunday with a doubleheader at George Washington beginning at noon.