Softball Homers Four Times But Falls In Series Finale, 11-6, At Binghamton

BOX SCORE

VESTAL, N.Y. – While the University at Albany softball team already clinched the series with Saturday's sweep, the hosting Binghamton Bearcats captured Sunday's finale, 11-6, in Vestal, N.Y. The Great Danes are now 23-11 on the season and 6-3 in America East action, while Binghamton improved to 14-16 overall and 5-5 in conference play.

In the contest, UAlbany totaled four home runs, ignited by Vicky McFarland's third home run of the weekend in the leadoff spot in the top of the first, giving the Danes a quick 1-0 lead. Junior Kelly Costello reached on a hit by pitch, and Maggie Cocks followed suit with a two-run home run over the left-centerfield fence – also her third homer of the weekend -- for a 3-0 advantage.

However, Binghamton answered back immediately with five runs in the bottom of the inning. After Stephanie Bielac knocked a one-out double, the Bearcats drew three consecutive walks for a run, and Kate Richard cleared the bases with a grand slam, giving the hosts a 5-3 lead.

Binghamton tacked on three more runs in the second, loading the bases on single and a pair of walks, setting up Jessica Rutherford's three-run triple.

In the third, Costello cut the margin to four, 8-4, with her solo home run over the left field wall, but Binghamton matched the output in the bottom of the frame, scoring on a sacrifice fly.

Chipping away at the deficit, UAlbany rallied with two outs in the sixth, as Lindsey Haskell singled to left and Jess Tate belted a two-run home run to center, making the score 9-6.

However, the Bearcats played copycat again, scoring two unearned runs in the same inning to hold off the Danes.

In the circle, freshman Devin Durando (11-3) took the loss, allowing eight runs and four hits in the opening 1.2 innings. Classmate Erynn Sobieski came out of the pen to toss the final 4.1 frames, allowing three unearned runs and two hits, while striking out one.

Offensively, UAlbany outhit the Bearcats, 9-6, led by McFarland's 2-for-4 day.

Up next, the Great Danes travel to Army Tuesday for a 3:30 p.m. clash before heading to UMass Lowell next weekend for a three-game conference series Saturday and Sunday.