FRANKLIN, Mass. – Junior
Emily Kilpatrick (Marion, Mass.) grabbed the Dean College softball team's second consecutive walk-off on Saturday afternoon, giving them a 7-6 victory in extra innings over Simmons University. With the win in game two, Dean splits the series with the Sharks and moves to 10-20 (4-6 GNAC). Meanwhile, Simmons shifts to 20-18 (14-4 GNAC).
GAME ONE: Simmons University 5, Dean College 2
-Simmons struck early in the first inning, using a two-out rally to score three runs and take an early 3-0 lead.
-Dean settled in after the opening frame, with
Bryce DeGasparre (Attleboro, Mass.) working through pressure in the circle and keeping the Bulldogs within striking distance through the middle innings.
-The Bulldogs threatened offensively in the early innings, as
Xandra Silva (New Britain, Conn.) reached base and helped spark opportunities, but Simmons pitcher Piper Kinney kept Dean off the board.
-Simmons added insurance in the fourth inning, using a two-run single to extend its lead to 5-0.
-Dean responded in the sixth inning, mounting its best rally of the game. X. Silva doubled to start the inning and later scored on a Kilpatrick RBI double to put the Bulldogs on the board.
-Moments later,
Nina Ostafin (West Hartford, Conn.) reached on an error, allowing Kilpatrick to score and trim the deficit to 5-2.
-The Bulldogs continued to battle late, with
Leah Chamberlain (Burlington, Vt.) and
Ashlee Mastrodomenico (Middleboro, Mass.) helping apply pressure, but Simmons worked out of trouble to preserve the lead.
-Dean put a runner aboard in the seventh, but Simmons closed out the game to secure the 5-2 victory.
GAME TWO: Dean College 7, Simmons University 6 (8 Inn.)
-Dean struck first in the opening inning. X. Silva singled and later scored on an RBI knock from Chamberlain, giving the Bulldogs an early 1-0 lead.
-Simmons answered with two runs in the fourth inning, but the Bulldogs responded right back. Mastrodomenico delivered an RBI single to score Chamberlain and tie the game at 2-2.
-The Bulldogs continued to battle in a tight pitchers' duel, with
Natalie Hayes (Brewster, N.Y.) working through traffic and keeping Dean within striking distance throughout the middle innings.
-In the sixth inning, Dean pulled even again after
Emily Yazzetti (Mahopac, N.Y.) ripped an RBI double to bring home Chamberlain, knotting the game at 3-3.
-After a scoreless seventh from both pitchers, the game advanced into extra innings.
-Simmons pushed ahead in the eighth inning, scoring three runs in the international tiebreaker to take a 6-3 lead. With one more shot at the plate, the Bulldogs entered comeback mode.
-Dean answered with one of their most dramatic rallies of the season in the bottom half. Chamberlain opened the inning with an RBI double to make it 6-4.
-After Mastrodomenico singled, Dean capitalized on consecutive Simmons errors.
Katrina Lee (Brookline, N.H.) and X. Silva helped plate two more runs to tie the game 6-6.
-With the bases loaded and two outs, Kilpatrick came through with the game-winning RBI single, bringing home Lee and completing the walk-off 7-6 victory.
-Hayes also finished the game with one of her best performances of the season, tossing eight innings while striking out eight.
Game Two Standouts:
-Kilpatrick (1-5, Walk-Off Single)
-Chamberlain (3-3, 3 Runs Scored, 2 RBIs, Walk)
-Mastrodomenico (2-4, Run Scored, RBI)
-Hayes (8.0 IP, 6 Hits, 6 Runs (2 Earned), 8 K, 4 BB, 37 BF)
Next Up:
SENIOR DAY: Sunday, April 26
th, 12:00PM & 2:00PM vs. Elms College (GNAC Contests / Longley Athletic Complex)
For Media Inquiries:
Brett Chaves
Sports Information Director, Dean College Athletics
(508) 541-1826
BChaves@dean.edu
