Syracuse Softball Rebounds with a Huge Win in Raleigh
RALEIGH, NC – Syracuse notches its tenth win and first victory of ACC play after a statement making 9-3 drubbing of NC State.
It was all smiles for an Orange squad desperate for a win after an ugly blowout performance last night. The 2.5 hour game saw runners cross home plate for the first time in the second inning. Carli Campbell clutched up with a bases loaded single while Angel Jasso followed that up with a two-run double also with the bases juiced.
In the third inning, Neli Casares-Maher popped her fifth homer of the year. The solo shot was one of two hits for the senior as she extended her hitting streak to seven games.
The ‘Cuse thrashed NC State starter Sam Gress around all game, forcing her to exit after giving up four runs in 2.2 innings. Meanwhile, stellar starter Aisha Weixlmann was nowhere close to the pitcher who embarrassed hitters in last night’s series opener.
She surrendered five runs on eight hits on 4.1 innings of relief. Taylor Posner got the scoring started off of her in the fifth with the ringing single up the middle. Jude Padilla provided the rest of the offense by bringing home two on a fielder’s choice later in the frame. Then in the seventh, she launched a two-run shot to left to cap off a perfect day for the lineup.
Angie Ramos continued her recent hot streak by singling three times in four at-bats.
To add to the near perfect day for S.U., the pitching staff more than carried its weight throughout. Lindsey Hendrix did not disappoint as she notched her third win of the year to improve her record to 3-1. She had troubles finding the strikezone a bit considering she gave up five walks but the rest of her outing more than made up for those problems.
She ended up giving up just two hits and two earned runs over her four innings. Ariana Adams finished the job with three innings of relief.
Saturday’s 14 hit eruption by the offense and a solid day inside the circle by pitchers not named Summer Clark is just what the doctor ordered.
NC State’s 17-3 record adds meaning to the thumping by showing the Wolfpack have plans to content towards the top of the ACC.
If Syracuse is going to do the same, they are going to have to pile more of these games together. Contending in the ACC also means you regularly win series by winning rubber matches on Sunday.
S.U. will look to do just that in tomorrow’s bout. Look for Dopeking to give the starting nod to the veteran Adams.
First pitch from Dail Softball Stadium is set for noon.
