MADISON, N.J.—Eastern University Softball began the 2015
Freedom Conference season with a doubleheader sweep at FDU-Florham on Saturday.
The Eagles ran away from the Devils 11-2 and then warded them
off 9-6 in the second game.
Both teams entered Saturday looking for their second win of
the season after unkind spring break trips. Eastern's path to victory involved
recording double-digit hits in both games.
In game one, the Eagles posted 15 hits and were led by
three-hit games by Emily Houck and Erica Pyla-Gibson. Houck hit her first home
run of the year, a 2-RBI shot in the sixth inning.
Eagles' pitcher Haleigh Williams, after allowing a two-run
home run in the first inning, pitched a gem the next six innings. Williams only
gave up a hit and a walk the rest of the way.
With the game tied 2-2 going into the top of the fourth,
Eastern went on to score in each of the final four innings. The Eagles scored
three times in the fourth to take the lead for good. Doubles by Ashton
Tomlinson, Kasey Williams and Emily Houck each brought in a run.
In game two, Alyssa Welsh went the distance on the mound,
striking out three batters in the win.
Kasey Williams went 3-for-5 with 3 RBIs from the three-spot
in the batting order. Pyla-Gibson had another multi-hit game. She went 2-for-4
with a walk and three runs scored.
Eastern took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on a two-RBI
double by Houck. The Eagles added a run in the third and stretched the lead to
5-0 in the fourth.
However, in the bottom of the inning, the Devils led off
with back-to-back-to-back solo home runs. The Devils posted five runs in the
inning to even the game, but Welsh fought through the inning and stayed in the
game. She only allowed one more run after that, a solo home run to lead off the
seventh.
Eastern broke the tie with two runs in the fifth off some
poor Devils' fielding and then added two insurance runs in the seventh inning.
Eastern (3-13) is scheduled to continue conference play
against Manhattanville College in the home opener on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score
