Two-run fifth aids Bulldogs in 2-1 edge over Vikings

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – After a scoreless four innings, the Bryant University softball team countered Cleveland State's scoring effort, plating two runners in the bottom of the fifth to edge out the Vikings, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon at the ECU Pirate Clash.

Following a Melissa Jacobson triple to right field, the Vikings (1-4) were first on the board, when Mel Woodard drove in Jacobsen off a sacrifice fly to left field. In the bottom of the fifth, the Bulldogs' (1-2) junior Robyn Ukegawa (Carlsbad, Calif.) singled to left center, before freshman Bianca Mastropietro (Bronx, N.Y.) checked in as the pinch runner for Ukegawa.

Senior Haylee Haas (Moorpark, Calif.) then drove the game-tying score in, 1-1, tripling to center field to plate Mastropietro. Haas followed with the game-winning run, as Gianna Pizzano (Saugus, Mass.) reached first on fielder's choice.

Following a Sofia Johantgen double to left center in the top of the seventh with no outs, red-shirt sophomore Brandi Burgin (Santa Clarita, Calif.) checked in on the mound for freshman Gabrielle Ermish (Pottstown, Pa.). With two outs and the game-tying run on third, Woodard popped up to the shortstop for the last out and the Bulldogs were able to hold on, winning, 2-1, over the Vikings.

Ermish recorded the win in the circle, allowing two hits and one run in 2.1 innings. Burgin received the save after only walking one batter in 1.0 inning on the mound. Haas went 1-for-3, including the triple to center. Pizzano and sophomore Jessica Gradillas (Nogales, Ariz.) both turned double plays in the Bulldogs' first win of the season.

Cleveland State's Mackenzie Joecken recorded the loss on the mound, allowing two runs off five hits in 5.0 innings. Johantgen and Hanna Breeden both went 2-for-3 on the game, while the Vikings totaled eight hits in the contest.

Bryant has a quick turn-around, playing host East Carolina for the second time at the ECU Pirate Clash, today at 2 p.m.