Bishop records GW RBI in victory against Maine

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Gracie Bishop recorded the game-winning RBI in the Bryant Univeristy softball team's 3-2 victory against Maine in their home opening conference series. Courtney Paolantonio tallied two hits and two RBIs in the win.

(GM1) Maine 4, Bryant 3
(Gm2) Bryant 3, Maine 2 
Conaty Park (Smithfield, R.I.)
(GM1) W | L | S: Caitlyn Fallon (4-9) | Kylie Kenney (6-7) | Alysen Rieth (1)
(GM2) W | L | S: Kylie Kenney 7-7) | Alysen Rieth (4-4)

• Maine took a one-run lead in the top of the 8th (4-3).

How it Happened (GM1)

• Olyvia Smith and Jenna Gardner hit back-to-back singles to start the game. Both runners advanced a base on a wild pitch, which allowed Megan Marcel to bring home the run on a fielder's choice (1-0).
• In the bottom of the second inning, Courtney Paolantonio recorded a leadoff single and then stole second with two outs, setting up Olivia Fee, who hit an RBI single (2-0).
• The Black Bears tied the game on a single and triple at the top of the third inning (2-2).
• During the top of the fourth inning, Maine took a one-run lead because of a double to left-center (3-2).
• Bishop drew a walk, and Faith Valenzuela reached second as a pinch runner on a passed ball in the bottom of the seventh inning. Fee singled, moving the runner to third, and then Alexis Clancy hit a sacrifice fly to left field, tying the game (3-3).
• Maine took the lead in the top of the eight on a single up the middle (4-3).

Stats (GM1)

• Fee recorded two hits and an RBI.
• Courtney Paolantonio tallied two hits.
• Clancy and Marcel posted RBIs.
• Smith, Gardner, and Abby Trimble registered a hit.
• Brooke Tracy posted six strikeouts.

Key Moment (GM2)

• Bishop recorded the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the sixth.

How it Happened (GM2)

• In the bottom of the first inning, Smith hit a leadoff single and advanced to second on a groundout. Aleix Hudson drew a walk, which set up Courtney Paolantonio, who singled up the middle (1-0).
• The Black Bears tied the game on a double in the top of the second inning (1-1).
• Hudson hit a single with one out and advanced to second on a passed ball. Courtney Paolantonio then doubled, bringing home Hudson (2-1).
• During the top of the fourth, Maine tallied their second run on a Bulldog error (2-2).
• Madison Fitzgerald knocked a double, and Ava Paganis came in as a pinch runner. Bishop then hit a pinch-hit single, scoring the eventual winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning (3-2). 

Stats (GM2)

• Courtney Paolantonio posted two hits and two RBIs.
• Bishop posted a hit and RBI.
• Hudson recorded two hits.
• Smith, Fitzgerald, and McAloon registered a hit.
• Kenney had three Ks in the win.

Next Up

The Bulldogs will face Maine in the rubber match on Sunday.