XML Box Score 1 |
XML Box Score 2 by Michael Brookhart, GoMessiah.com reporterGrantham, PA - The Spartans of York College (PA) traveled to Starry Field to face the Falcons in a doubleheader Wednesday. Messiah completed the non-conference sweep with scores of 8-1 and 9-0. The second game was shortened to six innings. The sweep moves Messiah's overall record to 25-7, while the Spartans fall to 13-24.
Game OneThe Falcons' bats did not wait long to arrive as they plated five runs in the first inning of play. These five runs came off of six hits. The Falcons buffered their lead by adding three more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
All that offense would not be necessary for pitcher
Mallory Rutledge who was lights out from inside the circle. Rutledge (12-5) earned the complete game victory by scattering three hits and striking out 11. Not only is this a career best for Rutledge, but this was the first double-digit strike out performance by a Messiah pitcher since the 2011 season.
Messiah totaled 12 hits and every starter for the Falcons recorded at least one hit.
Becky Notte and
Krista Ammon each picked up two RBI for Messiah.
Game TwoOnce again, the bats of Messiah scored early and often.
Katie Tankred contributed to Messiah's electric four-run first inning with a three-run home run to right field.
Similar to game one, Messiah totaled 12 hits; half of which were extra base hits. Notte joined Tankred by blasting a home run of her own in the 6th inning.Claressa Mees (11-2) continued the first game's theme of big bats paired with white-hot pitching. She fired six shutout innings, allowing four hits and only two walks.
Today's doubleheader was the team's final home regular season showing. On Friday, the Falcons travel to Chambersburg, Pa. to face Wilson College at 4:00 p.m. The team returns to Commonwealth Conference competition on Saturday with a doubleheader against Widener University.
Click on gallery to see highest resolution and to purchase your favorite prints!
