March 24, 2012

Box Score

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Ashley Gall (Stafford Springs, Conn.) went a combined 5-for-6 with two doubles, two triples, two runs scored and four RBI to help Saint Joseph College sweep a GNAC doubleheader against Emmanuel, 4-1 and 5-1, on Saturday afternoon in Connecticut. The Blue Jays have won all six games since a 1-7 Florida trip, evened their overall record at 7-7 and improved to 4-0 in the GNAC. The pair of losses drops the Saints to 4-12 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

In the first game, Saint Joseph got on the board with two fourth-inning runs. Winning pitcher Emily Hummel (Hebron, Conn.) reached on an error and scored on a Gall triple. Gall then scored on a ground out by Shauna Sullivan (Rocky Hill, Conn.)

Emmanuel scored its lone run of the game, an unearned run in the top of the sixth. Julia Demirali (W. Roxbury, Mass.) singled with one out, went to second when Kelly Lloid (Issaquah, Wash.) reached on an error and came home on an RBI single from Jennifer Garrity (Lynn, Mass.).

With the 2-1 lead, the Blue Jays came back with two in the bottom half on a double by Stephanie Valerio (Wolcott, Conn.), an error and a two-run double from Gall. Hummel (4-4, 1.94 ERA) allowed five hits, two walks and struck out nine to win her third decision of the week. She also finished out game two with two scoreless relief innings.

Demerali and Garrity each had two hits for Emmanuel. The Saints out-hit Saint Joseph, 5-4, but left seven runners on base. Lloid struck out four and walked none in pitching a complete game. Colleen Ecsedy (Ashford, Conn.) allowed one run in five innings in her first start to earn her first collegiate victory in the second game.

Emmanuel scored a run in the top of the first to take an early lead in game two. Demerali singled, was sacrificed to second by Julia Levins (Uxbridge, Mass.) and scored on a base hit by Lloid.

However, Saint Joseph came right back with four in the home half. Valerio singled and stole second, which was followed by four RBI-hits: consecutive doubles for Hummel and Gall, a single for Sarah Miller (Southington, Conn.) and a double to cap the rally from Ashley Stokes (Middleton, Conn.).

Levins took the loss and was replaced on the mound by Garrity to start the second inning. Garrity finished the game pitching well and allowed four hits and one earned run in five innings.

Valerio singled home Stokes in the fourth inning for the final Saint Joseph run.

In upcoming action, Saint Joseph hosts Norwich Sun. March 25 in a noon doubleheader. The Saints play at Rivier in a GNAC doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.

- Release content courtesy of Saint Joseph College Sports Information