UMBC

Jessica Vetock went 3-for-6 with three RBI against Delaware.

NEWARK, Del.—The UMBC softball team (21-27) got solid pitching from freshman Stephanie Weigman and senior Ashley Gray en route to a doubleheader split at host Delaware (22-23) Wednesday afternoon at Delaware Field. The Retrievers took the first game, 6-2, but the Blue Hens spoiled Gray’s performance by taking game two, 2-1.

Game 1: UMBC 6, Delaware 2

Neither team scored until the third inning of the first game, when the Retrievers rallied for three runs. With two out and none on, left fielder Randi Willey singled and right fielder Julia Culotta reached on an error, putting runners on first and second for second baseman Jessica Vetock, who drove both runners in with her first triple of the season. The next batter, pinch hitter Emily Thompson doubled home Vetock for the 3-0 lead.

Delaware, which had at least one runner on base in every inning, scored single runs in the fifth and sixth to trim its deficit to 3-2, but wasted opportunities to take the lead in both innings. Right fielder Marianne Marinella led off the fifth inning with a single and eventually came around to score when left fielder Michelle Grap reached on an error. Then, with the bases loaded and two out in the sixth, Grap walked to drive in the Blue Hens’ second run of the game, but the bases were left juiced when first baseman Shanette White struck out.

The Retrievers added three insurance runs in the top of the seventh, capitalizing on three hits and two errors. Center fielder Lynn Pronobis led off the inning with a double, and catcher Kali Shirk followed with her third hit of the game, putting runners on second and third for shortstop Dana Shepherd, who drove in Pronobis when she reached on an error. Gray then successfully laid down a squeeze bunt to plate Shirk with the fifth run of the game, and third baseman Lauren Brummell’s first career triple scored Shepherd.

Weigman (12-13) picked up the victory after scattering nine hits and five walks over seven innings. She allowed two runs (one earned) and struck out four. Samantha Shawn (9-13) was charged with just one earned run in the loss, as her defense committed four errors behind her. She allowed nine hits and two walks while striking out three.

Shirk paced the Retrievers’ offense with a 3-for-3 effort, while Vetock went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Three different Blue Hens had two hits apiece.

Game 2: Delaware 2, UMBC 1

Gray was dominant in the nightcap, striking out eight batters, including three in the first inning, but she ran into trouble in the third, when the Blue Hens loaded the bases with an infield single and a pair of walks with one out. After Grap struck out, designated player Mary Ann Magee drove in two runs with a single through the left side, but Gray struck out the final batter to escape further damage.

With one out in the top of the fourth, Brummell walked and Thompson doubled, but Brummell was thrown out at the plate on a fielder’s choice. Still with runners on first and third, Vetock singled through the left side to score Thompson and cut Delaware’s lead in half, 2-1.

But Delaware hurler Anne Marie Pagano was just as unhittable as Gray and did not allow a hit over the final three innings, as the Blue Hens held on for the 2-1 victory.

Pagano (13-9) allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings. She walked four and struck out four. Gray allowed two runs on six hits and two walks in the six-inning complete game.

Delaware center fielder Katie Lee led all players with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate.

The Retrievers conclude the regular season this weekend for a big three-game series at America East rival Maine that begins with a doubleheader Saturday at 1 p.m. The series has major playoff ramifications, as the winner will likely grab the fourth and final spot in the America East Championships.