Stevenson, MD – Messiah College (26-7, 12-0) picked up two Commonwealth Conference victories Saturday over Stevenson University (13-14, 9-5) and stayed undefeated in the conference.
The Falcons scored three runs in the second inning and one run in the fourth to defeat the Mustangs by a 4-0 score in game one. Messiah used one run in the third inning, three in the fifth, one in the sixth, and tacked on another run in the seventh to defeat Stevenson by a 6-1 score in game two.
Game 1 Both teams were held scoreless through the first inning. In the second inning, Messiah had the bases loaded with one out when
Emily Quatrale hit a three RBI double to bring in
Courtney Allen,
Nicole Blantz, and
Amber Bingaman for an early 3-0 lead for the Falcons.
Messiah added another run in the fourth inning with an RBI double from
Katie Tankred to bring in
Amber Bingaman. Bingaman got on base with a single up the middle. Then, Bingaman stole second to get in scoring position and Tankred brought her home.
Each team was held scoreless for the rest of the game and Messiah held on for the 4-0 victory in game one.
Claressa Mees had an excellent showing pitching seven scoreless innings, which included four strikeouts and zero walks.
The Mustangs out-hit the Falcons in game one (7-4), but Messiah capitalized when runners were in scoring position.
Game 2 The Falcons swung with power in the second game as they smashed four home runs and defeated the Mustangs by a 6-1 score. The first homer came in the third inning when
Amanda Jones crushed a ball to center field and put the Falcons up 1-0.
Jones struck again in the fifth inning when she demolished another solo-homer to left field and increased the Falcons lead to 2-0. Messiah added another home run in the fifth inning with a two-run shot to left field from
Courtney Allen and extended Messiah's lead to 4-0.
In the sixth inning Messiah capitalized off a wild pitch with the bases loaded and led 5-0.
Shannon Denny took advantage of the wild pitch and darted from third to home for the run.
The Mustangs responded in the bottom of the sixth when Courtney Cook hit a solo shot to left field and cut into the Falcons lead with the score at 5-1.
Messiah deflated any hopes of a Stevenson comeback when
Amber Bingaman joined the home run party with a solo shot to left-center field for a 6-1 lead. The Falcons sustained their lead and collected the victory.
Courtney Allen had a good showing on the mound giving up one run, but accumulated six strikeouts in the victory.
Messiah will look to extend their unblemished Commonwealth Conference record when they take on Albright College Wednesday afternoon. The double header will be played in Grantham, Pennsylvania and begins at 3:30 p.m.
