Softball Shuts Out Bryant, 6-0
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – In their third straight day of competition, the University at Albany softball team shut out the visiting Bryant Bulldogs, 6-0, Tuesday afternoon at Albany Field. With the non-conference victory, UAlbany improved to 16-8 on the season, while Bryant fell to 10-22.
“I was happy with the way we came out today after an important conference weekend,” said Head Coach Chris Cannata. “Even if we were tired, we played with a lot of energy and everybody played well.”
Sophomore pitcher Mackenzie Thompson (3-2) earned the win, while freshman hurler Nicole Parks picked up the save in the combined shutout. Thompson held the Bulldogs to four scattered hits and no walks, while striking out three, and Parks struck out two and surrendered only one hit.
For Bryant, Hayley Bottino (2-8) took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits in two innings of work. Reliever Logan Paul was credited with two runs and three hits in the final four frames.
“Both pitchers did a nice job today keeping the hitters off balance,” added Cannata. “And our hitters did a good job of adjusting to both their pitchers.”
The Great Danes steadily built their lead in the early innings, scoring two run in each the first, second, and third.
In the first, Alexa Toole beat out a slow roller for a single and Maggie Cocks reached on a fielding error, setting up Liz Snow's two-run single down the left field line.
Adding two more in the second inning, freshman Mackenzie Cleary led off with a single up the middle, Vicky McFarland looped one into right field, and Cocks came through with a two-run scoring single to left.
UAlbany stretched the margin to six runs in the third on Caitlin Cooper's two run blast over the left field wall that also plated Cleary.
A well-balanced attack, the Great Danes totaled eight hits in the victory recorded by eight different players.
Up next, UAlbany returns to America East Conference play, hosting UMBC this weekend. Saturday's doubleheader is set for 1 p.m. and Sunday's series finale will begin at noon.
