Newark, NJ --- The Brooklyn College Softball team (15-13) split a non-conference doubleheader against Rutgers-Newark (12-18) on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Field in Newark, NJ.
BC took the opener, 4-3; while Rutgers-Newark earned the split by taking game two, 2-0.
The Scarlet Raiders struck first in game one, as Toniann Donde's RBI double to center field scored Kelly Yusko in the bottom of the first inning for the game's first run.
The Bulldogs would tie the game at one all in the top of the second, as Brooklyn capitalized on an error by the Rutgers-Newark third basemen that allowed
Kristina Bermudez to score the tying run. Brooklyn would take the lead in the top of the third on
Kimberly Brennan's sacrifice fly to right field that scored
Kayla Hill to make it 2-1 in favor of the visitors.
BC would add two more runs in the top of the fifth, as
Samantha Rodriguez's two run home run over the center field fence, that also scored Hill, made it 4-1.
The home team would add a run in the sixth and seventh innings on RBI singles from Elizabeth Marflak and Sam Held, respectively; however, the Bulldogs would hold off for the 4-3 victory.
Brennan went 2-for-3 for BC, while Yusko (3-for-4) and Anna Carlson (2-for-4) also had multi-hit games for the Scarlet Raiders.
Hill (7-5) picked up the win for BC, going the distance, allowing three runs (two earned) on 12 hits, while walking one and striking out two over seven innings.
Jess Cannon (0-6) took the loss, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits, while walking two and striking out three over four innings. Morgan Walizer finished the game, allowing just one hit and striking out two over three innings.
Game two featured a pitcher's duel through the first four innings between Yusko and Brennan, as both hurlers tossed four shutout innings to start the game.
The home team would eventually breakthrough in the bottom of the fifth, as Yusko helped out her own cause with an RBI double to left center that scored Kelsey Lucas. Donde would follow with an RBI double of her own to left field that scored Shirley Abbelard, who came into the game as pinch runner for Yusko.
That's all the run support Yusko would need, as she improved to 8-7 on the year, tossing a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits and a walk, while striking out seven over seven innings.
Brennan was the tough luck loser, allowing two runs on five hits, walking one and striking out one over 4.2 innings.
Ashley Tkacsik finished the game, allowing just two hits over 1.1 innings.
Brooklyn returns to the diamond on Tuesday, April 21st, as the Bulldogs will host the Panthers of SUNY Old Westbury. The none-conference doubleheader is scheduled for a 4:00 pm start time at BC Field.
