Softball Splits with Bridgewater State, Peabody Earns First Career Shutout

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.— Hailey Peabody struck out nine batters, scattered four hits and earned her first career shutout this afternoon in MCLA's 4-0 game one win over visiting Bridgwater State. The Trailblazers fell in game two, 6-1. With the split, MCLA is now 11-23 (2-10 MASCAC) while Bridgewater State moves to 19-17 (6-6 MASCAC).

Game One           Bridgewater State           0               MCLA     4

Following a Maddy Teta (1-for-2, run) walk, and Ella Staffier (2-for-3, RBI, run) reaching on an error, a Justina Pardi (1-for-3, RBI, run) double to left-center field would score Teta to give MCLA an early 1-0 lead. Pardi and Staffier scored later in the inning on another Bridgewater State error to make it 3-0 after one.

Staffier figured in the fourth run as well doubling down the left field line to drive in Cinderella Khoury (1-for-3, run) who had earlier singled, to make it 4-0.

A leadoff double and subsequent steal put Bridgewater's Olivia Hargreaves on third with no outs in the top of the sixth. But Peabody (W, 3-2), who was dominant in the circle for most of the game, struck out the next two batter and induced a fly ball to end the inning. In the seventh, Peabody retired the Bears in order to earn her first career shutout and give the Trailblazer the 4-0, game one win.

Game Two           Bridgewater State           6               MCLA     1

Following a two-out Emily Eastman (1-for-3, 2 RBI) base hit which drove in a pair runs for the visitors in the top of the first, Peabody (2-for-4, run, 2 steals) led off the bottom half reaching on a bunt, stealing second, stealing third and scoring on an errant throw for MCLA's only run of the game.

Bridgewater State's Hargreaves (W, 7-4) went the distance striking out seven batters, allowing just one run, with only one walk and helped her own cause with an RBI in the third and fifth inning which made it 6-1.  MCLA's Sarah Williams (L, 5-12) threw her 15^th complete game of the season allowing six runs (three earned), on eight hits and three walks while striking out two batters.

Victoria Baker (3-for-4, RBI, 3 runs) and Lily Gioiosa (2-for-2, run) led the Bears offensive attack. MCLA's Staffier went 2-for-3 with two stolen bases.

Both teams wrap up their regular seasons next Saturday with doubleheaders on the road as the Bears visit Westfield State and the Trailblazers travel to Salem State.