Softball Rallies Past Hartford
April 8, 2006 | Softball
BOSTON – Molly Gallagher hit the game-tying single in the bottom of the seventh, and the winning run scored on an error as the Boston University softball team roared back to defeat Hartford 7-6 Saturday afternoon. The Terriers trailed 5-2 in the fifth inning and 6-5 headed into the bottom of the seventh before rallying each time. BU improved to 17-16 on the season, 3-1 in America East play. The Hawks fell to 6-10, 1-3.
After Hartford broke a 5-5 tie with a run in the top of the seventh, the Terriers found themselves down to their final out in the bottom of the frame. With Brandi Shields on first, Liz Alley roped a double down the right field line, putting runners at second and third. Melody Popravak pinch ran for Alley and the Hawks intentionally walked Melissa Dubay to load the bases. Gallagher promptly smacked a hard single to left, plating Shields with the tying run. When the ball got away from UH left fielder Kristen Cericola, Popravak was able to scoot home with the game-winner.
Gallagher finished the game 3-4 with an RBI, while Dubay was 1-2 with two RBI and Alley was 2-3 with two RBI.
Hartford held a commanding 5-2 lead through three innings. Michelle Mariano and Cericola each homered off Terrier starter Cassidi Hardy to lead the early onslaught. The Terriers two runs came in the bottom of the second when Josey Mendez and Alley walked and Dubay doubled both of them home.
BU tallied three times in the fifth to knot the game at 5-5. Mendez rapped an RBI single and Alley roped a two-run single up the middle, as BU drew even for the first time all day.
In the top of the seventh, Hartford took the lead when Kristie Rochette led off the inning with a walk and eventually scored on Terrier 3B Brooke Hudson’s error.
Hardy (9-8) earned the win for BU, despite allowing six runs on nine hits. She fanned nine and tossed her 12th complete game of the season. Nicole McMillon (3-5) suffered the loss for the Hawks, allowing seven runs (six earned) on 10 hits, while striking out eight.
The teams conclude their series Sunday at noon with a doubleheader.
