The Hofstra softball team split their second doubleheader of the Blue and White Classic on Saturday, March 9, defeating Iona College 13-1 before falling to Morgan State University 12-6. Madison Burns picked up the win against Iona, and Mackenzie Suto was tagged with the loss against Morgan State University.
In Game 1, Burns continued the dominance that she started in her previous outing, a shutout against Norfolk State University. Showing more control with her pitches, Burns only walked one batter while recording a career-high five strikeouts. Similar to her last outing, she was lights out with runners in scoring position. In the three times she allowed a runner to get into scoring position, Iona went 0-5.
Burns was able to keep the ball on the ground, getting eight groundouts and only three fly outs. In keeping the Gaels on the ground, Hofstra was able to keep them from rallying, recording two crucial double plays in the early innings.
The Pride offense had one of their best games of the season, recording a season-high 13 runs. Kristin Hallam and Meghan Giordano each had three-hit games.
Giordano recovered from losing her nine-game hitting streak against the University of Albany with an RBI in each of her three hits, including two home runs. Giordano recorded a career high in RBIs with five.
Courtney Scarpato had perhaps the most important hit of the game as she hit a grand slam in the top of the fourth inning. This home run came right after Burns allowed her only run of the game, making it 4-1. Scarpato is now the second Hofstra player with a home run this year, adding to her impressive tournament performance as she has recorded a hit in three of the four games so far with eight RBIs.
In the second game, Suto wasn’t able to build on her dominant outing against Albany. She was only pitched 4.1 innings, walking seven batters and giving up six runs – three of which were earned. Scarpato came in for relief allowing six runs, four of which earned, in 1.2 innings.
The Pride offense tried to find momentum, scoring at least six runs for the third time this weekend. However, in three of the four innings that Hofstra scored runs, Morgan State scored the same amount or more. Giordano and Scarpato had RBIs, and Angelina Ioppolo had her second RBI of the tournament.
With the loss to Morgan State, Hofstra saw its four-game win streak come to an end. The Pride will look to finish off their weekend strong tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. against Hampton University.
Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
