Worcester, MA- The Lancers headed into this evening's double header at Rhode Island College riding a six-game win streak. Not having played since this past Saturday, Worcester State battled through a hard-fought couple of games. By the end of the night they came away with one of two, bringing their record to 17-9.
In game one, first year Bella Gasbarro (Leominster, Mass.) gave the Lancers an early lead with a first-inning two-RBI single. Rhode Island College would pull within one in the bottom of the first, and end up tying it up in the third. The Anchormen were relentless in the middle innings, taking on a run in both the fourth and the fifth to take a 4-2 lead over Worcester State that remained until the seventh.
Down to their last at-bat, the Lancers rallied in the top of the seventh, loading the bases and scoring three to take a 5-4 lead. Their first lead since the third inning. A two-RBI base knock by senior Rachel Sinclair (Westminster, Mass.) and a Gasbarro single that chased in the fifth run accounted for the Lancer scoring.
Tragically, the Anchormen had the final say in game one, mustering up enough fight to walk off in the bottom of the seventh with a 6-5 win.
Game two matched the nail-biting intensity of its predecessor, as Worcester State and Rhode Island College went at it in another close game.
The scoring was scarce throughout the seven-innings, making every run all the more valuable. Just like game one, Worcester State struck first when senior Naraylee Baez (Northborough, Mass.) picked up an RBI on a groundout that brought home Gasbarro. It wasn't until the fifth inning that the scoreboard changed. Sophomore Emma Lanpher's (Charlton, Mass.) double pushed first year Bailey Tammaro (Fitchburg, Mass.) across to make it a 2-0 game.
Rhode Island College made it interesting in the bottom of the fifth, pulling within one on an RBI single. Up 2-1, Worcester State got some insurance an inning later when first year Amanda Adamuska (Dudley, Mass.) doubled home fellow first year Morgan Keefe (Dracut, Mass.).
Senior pitcher Jen Thorburn (Groton, Mass.) was stellar tonight, pitching the entire game only surrendering the lone run en route to her team-leading fifth win. The cherry on top was a one-two-three final inning to secure the Lancers the 3-1 victory.
Going on the road and coming away with a split, especially with the type of games these were, can not be overlooked. It was a strong showing by the Lancers, who will be back on the road on Saturday for their third MASCAC doubleheader of the season. Game one at Westfield State University will commence at 1 p.m.