GRANTHAM, Pa. - The Messiah softball team swept a home doubleheader versus Eastern University, grabbing game one, 5-0, while earning the second win in game two, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Starry Softball field. Madison Walter and Brynne Baker shined in the circle for the Falcons, each contributing seven-inning complete game shutouts. Walter did not allow a baserunner until the seventh inning, allowing just one hit and striking out seven, while Baker matched her teammates's shutout performance in game two by allowing just five hits, striking out four batters. Messiah hit three homers on the day, as Elena Rosas hit two in game one, while McKenzie Shannon knocked one out of the park in game two, contributing all three RBI.
Game One
The opening two innings proved to be a pitcher's duel between Walter and Lexi Evelyn of Eastern. Neither starter allowed a baserunner through two frames, as Walter fanned five batters. Messiah got on the board with the game's first hit in the bottom of the third inning, a leadoff solo homerun from Elena Rosas. Rosas' shot was the first of her career, giving the Falcons a 1-0 edge.
Walter continued to pitch brilliantly, retiring the side in the top of the fourth inning behind two fielding putouts from the junior pitcher. Paige Eakes lifted a double to deep center field with one out in the bottom of the fourth inning, as a Brynne Baker advanced her to third base. Isabel Seise dug in, looking to plate the Falcons' second run of the game. The senior hit the ball on the nose but lined out to center field to end the frame.
The game opened up in the bottom of the fifth inning, as Rosas launched her second home run of the game with one out. The solo homer sailed over the center field fence and doubled Messiah's lead to 2-0. The Falcons tacked on three more runs with aggressive base running. Karlee Stocksdale reached on an error, promptly stealing second base to put herself in scoring position. A pair of consecutive infield singles from Sarah Lippin and Alexa Burger plated two more runs, making it 4-0, as aggressive base running from Messiah placed pressure on the Eagles' defense. Elianna Litwin hit an RBI single to plate Messiah's fifth run of the game, giving the Falcons their ultimate 5-0 lead.
Entering the top of the seventh inning, Walter had not allowed a baserunner. The leadoff hitter, Susana Perez, singled up the middle to give the Eagles their first hit of the game. Walter responded by retiring the next three batters, completing her one-hit, complete game shutout. With the seven-strikeout performance, Walter earned the decision, improving her record to 2-2.
Game Two
The Falcons got off to a great start in game two, with Shannon hitting a two-run single to put Messiah up 2-0. Baker pitched well for the Falcons in game two, with the Eagles only threatening once in the top of the second, loading the bases before Baker worked out of the jam with a pop out and a ground out. Shannon provided the other RBI for Messiah with her first-career homerun in the bottom of the sixth inning, a shot over the left field fence to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead.
Messiah would hold onto the lead and take game two of the doubleheader, moving to 4-6 on the season. Baker matched Madison Walter's complete game shutout, as she struck out four Eagles, allowing just five hits, earning herself the decision to improve to 2-2. Seven different Falcons hit safely in the game two victory, with Shannon being the only player of the game with a multi-hit performance. Shannon's three RBI matched a season-high, as she knocked in three runs in a 6-3 home loss opposite York College (Pa.) (Mar. 21).
With the doubleheader sweep, the Falcons improve to 8-0 all-time versus Eastern.
What's Up Next
Tomorrow's doubleheader at Eastern University has been postponed with more information coming in the following days.
