On a dreary, rain soaked afternoon, Stony Brook University’s softball team swept a double header from Rider, 2-1 and 10-1 in game two, on Saturday, to push its record to 21-12-1, the top overall record in the America East Conference.
Stony Brook scored its first run on two Rider errors and a hit-batsman by pitcher Rachael Matreale in the first inning. Matreale would go on to dominate the Seawolves thereafter, striking out 10 and allowing only one earned run.
Senior Alyssa Struzenberg was just as masterful for the Seawolves. She would strike out 14 while giving up four hits and just one run over seven innings, including striking out eight of the last nine batters she faced.
In the bottom of the seventh, with the rain picking up significantly, the Seawolves mounted their rally against Rider’s Matreale. Obviously frustrated by the wet conditions, Matreale grimaced after each pitch, in between asking the umpire for a towel to dry her wet hand but to no avail. Instead, she would wipe her hand down on her pant leg after each pitch and constantly exchange softballs in the hope of finding a better grip.
It didn’t work. She walked senior Katelyn O’Donnell to start the inning and gave up a single to senior shortstop, Vicki Kavitsky. Still In obvious discomfort Matreale would throw two wild pitches to bring home the game-winning run, throwing her glove down in disgust as the rain became the deciding factor in bringing an end to an impressive pitching duel.
The second game started with the sun peaking out slightly and the rain bidding the small crowd of roughly 60 fans farewell. Colleen Matthes struggled early for the Seawolves. She walked six over five innings, including walking in a run, but still earned the win.
In the fourth, after a lead-off walk to senior first baseman Kendall Blumenthal, Rider pitcher Kelsey Krisch retired the next two. Krisch followed up with a wild pitch and then gave up a single to sophomore Suzanne Karath. The hit brought Blumenthal home from second base, breaking the tie and giving the Seawolves a 2-1 edge. Stony Brook would score again making the score 3-1 going into the fifth.
As the fifth inning began, the sun made its full appearance. The Stony Brook bats came alive in the frame.
The team scored seven runs in the inning, including a three-run bases clearing double by O’Donnell. Kavitsky followed up with a two-run home run to straight away center field to end the game 10-1.
The Seawolves headed to Providence on Sunday for another double-header, this time against Rhode Island. The team swept the two games, winning 6-4 then 1-0, and now return home to face Long Island University on Wednesday at 3 pm.
