Syracuse softball splits doubleheader against UAlbany

By: Nick Zuppe | @nickzuppe

Binghamton, NY – After having all five games at the UMBC Tournament cancelled due to inclement weather, Syracuse softball (11-7, 0-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) split a doubleheader against UAlbany (4-7, 0-0 America East) in Binghamton.

In game one, it was a classic pitcher’s duel. The Orange cracked the run column first in the bottom of the second inning when Lauren Fox came around to score after Rose Cano struck out swinging and the catcher threw it to first on a dropped third strike. But in the fourth, the Danes tied it up on an RBI single down the right field line from Mary Kate.

From then on, there would be no scoring until the ninth inning. This marked the first time all season that Syracuse played in a game that went at least nine innings. So, in that frame, each team started with a runner on second and nobody. Syracuse didn’t score, but UAlbany did on an RBI double from Katie Parisi with two outs.

All told, Syracuse only had four hits, and two of those came from leadoff hitter Jadyn Burney. Defensively, no errors from either team.

And on the pitching aspect, the Orange got four innings from starter Jackie Pengel and five outs from reliever Julianna Verni, who both gave up one run. But for UAlbany, Hailey Wieczerzak started and threw the whole game: 9 innings, 12 strikeouts, and 146 pitches.

All told, Syracuse dropped the first game 2-1 in nine innings. So, did the Orange bounce back?

Yes, they did. SU took down the Danes 4-2 in game two of the double header. In this one, Madison Knight stole the show on both sides of the ball.

After starter Sydney Jackson allowed two runs in the first inning, head coach Shannon Deopking immediately turned to the senior, and for the right reason. Knight would go on to throw the final six innings, allowing only one hit and striking out seven hitters.

But on offense, she had the swing of the game that swung the game into Syracuse’s favor. Down by two in the top of the third inning, Knight mashed her 6th home run of the season. The swing brought in Gabby Lantier and Jadyn Burney as well to put Syracuse on top 3-2.

The Orange would go on to add one more run at the top of the fifth as well. Madelyn Lopez hit a sacrifice fly that scored Madison’s sister, Mackenzie Knight, which brought home a key insurance run and made the score what it finished at, 4-2.

This doubleheader ended the non-conference part of Syracuse’s schedule, as it prepares to open ACC play next weekend. SU starts with number 10 Florida State at 6:00 on the road. The Orange and Seminoles will also play Saturday at 1:00 and Sunday at noon.

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