XML Box Score Clermont, FL - Rainy weather cancelled two of three scheduled games for the Falcons on their second day of Spring Break, resulting in a single game against SUNY Geneseo. Messiah had several opportunities to break the game open, but couldn't convert, leaving nine runners on base. In the bottom of the seventh,
Amanda Jones (double) and
Courtney Allen (single) fueled a two-out rally, but their efforts weren't enough as Messiah fell to the Knights 2-1.
It took SUNY Geneseo (1-2) just one inning of scoring to take down the Falcons (4-3). In the top of the first the Knights strung together doubles from their No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5 hitters, claiming the 2-0 lead.
Messiah's pitcher
Mallory Rutledge (2-2) shut down the Knights' offense through the rest of the game, allowing just two additional hits, yet the Falcons were unable to produce the necessary runs to overcome their deficit.
In the bottom of the third, the Falcons posted their only run of the game to pull within one. A two-out single by
Brooke Pompeo started things for Messiah, yet it was her wheels on the bases that put her into scoring position. Pompeo motored to second on a passed ball then was driven in on a double from
Courtney Allen.
The Falcons came up empty in the fourth and fifth innings and left two runners on base in the sixth, yet their best offensive opportunity came in the final inning.
In the bottom of the seventh, a two-out double by
Amanda Jones gave the Falcons new life. In the next at-bat, Pompeo drew a walk to put the go-ahead run on the bases. Allen followed with a single, loading the bases; but
Becky Notte was unable to put the ball in play, ending the game with a strikeout.
SUNY Geneseo's pitcher, Mikayla Moore (1-1), went the distance for the Knights, giving up one run on six hits. She walked three and struck out eight. Messiah's
Mallory Rutledge moved to 2-2 with the loss, despite allowing only two runs on five hits and striking out five.
Offensively,
Courtney Allen (2-for-4) led the Falcons with a double and the team's sole RBI.
Brooke Pompeo also contributed in critical times going 2-for-3.
The Falcons were originally supposed to play the Knights at 9:00 a.m., but were forced to postpone until 1:00 p.m. Consequently, Messiah was unable to play William Patterson University and Glen Oaks Community College. The games will not be rescheduled.
Likewise, the weather has affected the remaining scheduled games. Tomorrow the Falcons will take on Carleton College at 9:00 a.m. and Western Connecticut State at 1:00 p.m. The games were previously scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., respectively.
