ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. - - The Wilmington University softball team's winning streak has stretched to double digits, defeating Molloy, 4-1 and 8-5, on Sunday at Bob Klein Field, making it 11 straight victories.
Game 1:
Kylee Gunkel threw another complete game one-hitter, allowing one run while striking out one and walking one to improve to 7-5 on the year.
Bella Barned hit a one-out RBI single to third in the top of the first to start the scoring for the Wildcats (18-12). A hit by pitch to start the bottom of the second scored for the Lions (8-18), tying the game, 1-1.
The Wildcats took the lead for good in the top of the fourth inning, loading the bases with one out. Emma Zimmerman was hit by a pitch to bring in a run and then Tristyn Stewart brought in another with an RBI single for the 3-1 lead.
Sydney Hatch added a two-out RBI single in the fifth, giving the Wildcats an insurance run, 4-1.
Gunkel left a runner on in the fifth and sixth innings and then the Lions brought the tying run to the plate in the seventh, but Gunkel got a the final out for the victory.
Tristyn Stewart went 2-for-4 with an RBI while Sydney Hatch went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Cassidy Zelano went 2-for-4 with a run scored as well.
GAME 2:
The Lions tried making a game of it in the bottom of the seventh after the Wildcats jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the contest.
The Wildcats put two on the board in the top of the first on an error and then Sydney Hatch made it a 4-0 game with a two-run double in the third.
Sydney Hatch came up clutch again in the top of the seventh as the Wildcats rallied with two outs in the inning. Bella Barnes singled and Gracie Mabrey walked with two outs, and Hatch made the Lions pay with a three-run homer for the 7-0 lead. Rylee Maloney then doubled home Cassidy Zelano for another insurance run, making it 8-0.
Delani Sheehan only gave up three hits until the seventh inning as the Lions put on a two-out rally of their own. They would score five runs on six hits in the inning, bringing the tying run to the plate. But Sheehan stayed with it, striking out the final batter to earn the victory, 8-5.
Sheehan improves to 6-5 on the year, finishing with five strikeouts. Sydney Hatch went 3-for-3 with a homer and double, leading the way with five RBI. Tristyn Stewart batted 3-for-4 with a double and two stolen bases. Bella Barned went 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
UP NEXT:
The Wildcats take their 11-game winning streak into Wednesday's match at Georgian Court. The first pitch in Lakewood, New Jersey, is set for 3:00 p.m.