March 17, 2010
Box Score
PHILADELPHIA - Angelina Bisbiglia blasted a three-run home run in the seventh inning to send the Explorers to an 8-6 win over George Washington in game two of the conference opening doubleheader on Wednesday. The Explorers fell 4-2 in the first game. The Explorers moved to 3-5 (1-1 Atlantic 10) while the Colonials share the same overall and conference records.
The Explorers got on the board fast in game two, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning on a two RBI double from Vile. She scored Ali Shepherd, who reached on a fielder's choice following a Gina Massaro single, and Mary Pat Conville who got on base with a walk.
Following a three-up, three-down GW first inning, the Explorers tacked on another run when Breanna DiTommaso blasted a double to score Laura Gallagher, who reached base on a hit-by-pitch.
The Colonials threatened in the third as Jillian Stanley and Amanda Holst, who led the home team with a 4-for-8 showing on the day, put together back-to-back singles with one out. The pair reached second and third on a groundout, but the Explorers stopped the potential scores by forcing a foul fly ball to end the inning.
The Explorers got two more runs in the fifth to put the score at 5-0. Massaro led off the inning with a bunt single followed by a Shepherd single to left. Conville then fouled out down the right field line, but scored Massaro in the process to earn the RBI. Shepherd rounded home two batters later when Vile blasted her second of three doubles in the game.
GW did not go quietly, however, storming back into the game with a six-run sixth inning to go ahead 6-5 on hits from Stanley, Holst, Katie Terrazas and a two-run double from Elisa Van Kirk.
Shepherd and Conville reached base with back-to-back singles to put the tying run on base, but Bisbiglia made it easier by homering in the winning run. Vile also smacked her third double of the game in the seventh to complete her 3-for-3 showing at the plate.
The Colonials put two runners on in the bottom of the seventh, but the threat was ended by a fly out by Jordyn O'Donnell.
DJ Guinn earned the win in the pitcher's circle after coming on in relief of Laura Beth McCreesh in the sixth inning. She pitched two complete innings, giving up three hits while striking out one and walking one. McCreesh started and went five innings, giving up five runs on six hits while fanning five and walking three.
Kara Clauss earned the decision for GW, pitching four innings of relief. She gave up five runs on seven hits and struck out three. Heidi Penna started the game, going three innings, giving up three runs on four hits and striking out one.
The first game featured the Colonials jumping out to a big early lead, going up 4-0 in the first inning. The Explorers battled back with two sixth-inning runs but the Colonials held on for the 4-2 score.
Conville, who is now batting a blistering .458 on the season, led the Blue and Gold by going 2-for-3 in the opening contest.
The Colonials jumped out to the 4-0 lead behind hits from Holst and Sandi Moynihan combined with two Explorer miscues.
Conville and Vile registered RBIs in the sixth to put the Explorers on the board. Massaro led off the inning with a single to left and advanced to second on a Shepherd sacrifice. She scored on Conville's two-base blast to right center. Conville then scored two batters later on Vile's RBI single up the middle.
Massaro earned the decision in the circle after going five innings while giving up four runs (two earned) on six hits while fanning five. Guinn pitched one inning, surrendering one hit and striking out one. Clauss picked up the win for the Colonials following a complete-game five-hit effort while striking out nine.
The Explorers return to action on Saturday for the home opener against Central Connecticut State in a noon doubleheader. They follow up with another noon doubleheader on Sunday against Monmouth.
