UMBC

Reilly Ward went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI in UMBC's win.

Baltimore, Md. -  Freshman Katie Jo Passero threw a complete game shutout as the UMBC Retrievers (15-15-1) softball team defeated Morgan State (1-16) in non-conference softball action on Thursday afternoon at the UMBC Softball Stadium.  Reilly Ward led the UMBC offense with a 2-for-2 performance, scoring two runs and driving in one. 

Despite the Bears out hitting UMBC 8-5, Passero kept focused, going 7.0 innings for the complete game, allowing no runs or walks, striking out four batters and forcing nine infield ground outs for her first collegiate win.

Ward put UMBC on the board in the second inning walking to lead off and advancing to second on a single by Ashley Underwood.  Ward moved to third on a fielder’s choice play as Stevie Shore reached first base.  Ward scored as Jessica Griffith recorded an RBI ground out as Shore moved to third base after stealing second.  Shore scored on a wild pitch to put two runs on the board in the second inning for UMBC.

Ward sparked the UMBC offense in her next at bat, leading off the fourth inning with a double to right field.  Ward advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI ground out by Shore.  UMBC added another run in the inning with Griffith’s second RBI.

In the fifth UMBC put runners on the corners as Ward slapped a single that got past the Bears’ leftfielder and went all the way to the wall.  Kali Shirk easily scored from third base and Kristie Pickeral, who the previous day became UMBC’s all-time leader in RBI’s and is one homerun from 40 for her career, scored from first base, giving UMBC the 6-0 advantage.

Griffith finished with two RBI for UMBC and Underwood went 1-for-2 with a run scored.  UMBC’s defense was flawless with no errors as Passero moves to 1-1 on the year.  Keyana Smith went 4.0 innings for Morgan State allowing four runs on three hits with two walks in the losing effort.