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Joey Khan/Staff Photographer[/caption]
The Pirates completed a two-game sweep over the Drexel Dragons, winning the second game of a double-header in walk-off fashion by a score of 3-2 today at Mike Sheppard, Sr. Field.
Seton Hall improved to 19-23 with today’s two victories. The first game of the day also ended in a walk-off, with the Pirates winning 6-5.
“What I was most proud of today was our slappers’ abilities to put the ball down and run and cause mistakes,” head coach Paige Smith said. “That’s something we’re really good at. That, and heads-up base running.”
Tied 2-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Pirates took advantage of Drexel errors to come out on top. With one on, junior Yasmin Harrell advanced to second base on a single after a throwing error. This set up senior Whitney Jones for a walk-off double that scored sophomore Valerie Suto to seal the deal for the Pirates.
Seton Hall struck early with a two-run home run in the first inning from freshman Alexis Walkden, her 17th of the season, which leads the Big East. Walkden also reached on base on an error in the fifth inning.
Senior Danielle DeStaso picked up the win for the Pirates, pitching the entire game and allowing just two runs – both unearned, and striking out 3 batters. DeStaso was able to get out of trouble, as Drexel left ten runners in base and could not capitalize on early inning hits.
Along with solid pitching, Seton Hall’s defense also came through in key moments, as they were able to make key plays in the field that would become vital in such a close game.
“Our defensive plan was to limit the errors and free base runners,” Smith said. “What I really want to throw out to was our defense and our catcher, who took us out of some innings.”
In the top of the sixth inning, catcher Alex Rabbetts threw out a base runner attempting to steal second, inevitably saving a run, as Drexel’s Baeley Reed hit a two RBI single with two outs. This came after the Pirates made a heads-up play that allowed DeStaso to get out of a jam in the fifth. After a Drexel baserunner reached on an infield single, senior Whitney Jones made a throw from first base to third base that gunned down the runner trying to advance to third base from second base, saving a run.
The Pirates look to keep the momentum going this Thursday at home against Stony Brook at 4 p.m.
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