Gina Mason's Grand Slam Leads University of Albany Softball to Doubleheader Sweep of Boston University: UAlbany Athletics

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman designated player Gina Mason drove a grand slam over the left field fence to lead UAlbany to a 7-0 win over Boston U. in the first game of an America East Conference softball doubleheader Saturday afternoon at Albany Field. Mason also went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI in the second game to help the Great Danes post a 3-2 defeat of the Terriers.

UAlbany (31-15, AE 15-5) took an early lead in game one, scoring two runs in the first inning. Left fielder Amber Maisonet led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Andrianna Walraven. Maisonet scored the game’s first run on a Boston U. error, while Michelle Connors, who reached base after being hit by a pitch, was driven in by Mason on a ground out to short.

Mason recorded her second RBI of the game in the third, doubling down the left field line, sending Connors home. The Great Danes loaded the bases in the bottom half of the fifth, led off with a single to centerfield by Nicole Kothe. Connors reached after being hit by a pitch and Butsch drew a walk off Boston U. pitcher Cassidi Hardy. Mason then drove her fifth home run of the season, and her first career grand slam, over the scoreboard in left field to give the Great Danes a 7-0 lead.

The Terriers got runners in scoring position in the top of the seventh to try and stay alive, but the Great Danes caught designated player Tyler Benson out at third to end the game. Hardy went 4.2 innings in the circle for Boston U., fanning three. Kelley Engman replaced Hardy in the fifth, recording three strikeouts over 1.1 innings.

UAlbany’s Leah McIntosh earned the complete-game shutout win for the Great Danes, striking out 15 opposing batters and scattering four hits. McIntosh, who threw her 18th complete game of the season, improved to 14-5, and recorded her sixth shutout.

Boston U. (29-20, AE 15-5) scored first in the nightcap, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Left fielder Shayne Lotito knocked a single up the middle and stole second, before scoring on a UAlbany error. Brooke Hudson knocked an RBI single to short to score catcher Christy Leath, who reached on a walk issued by UAlbany’s Marissa Powell.

The Great Danes responded in the bottom half of the inning, as Maisonet led off with a base hit for the second straight game. Walraven reached on a fielder’s choice, as Boston U. got Maisonet out at second base. Butsch followed with a single to right to advance Walraven. Mason then knocked a base hit, and advanced to second on the throw, which allowed Walraven to score. Mason advanced to third on an error by the Terriers’ right fielder, which also allowed Butsch to score, but was then called out due to interference to end the inning.

The score remained knotted at 2-2 until the bottom of the fourth, as Connors took first after being hit by a pitch. Butsch singled down the left field line to advance Connors to second, while Mason followed with a double to right centerfield, scoring Connors.

Boston U. got runners on base in the fifth and sixth innings, but could not capitalize. Powell induced three straight outs in the seventh to end the game and give UAlbany the doubleheader sweep. She finished with five strikeouts in a complete-game performance. Megan Currier recorded a complete game in the circle for the Terriers, fanning one opposing batter over six innings of work.
The teams, who are tied for first in the conference standings, will complete the season series on Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. The winner of the final game will be crowned regular-season champions and earn the right to host the America East Conference Tournament on May 8-10.

-agate-

Boston U. 000 000 0 - 0 4 2

UAlbany 201 040 x - 7 6 0

Boston U.: Cassidi Hardy, Kelley Engman (5) and Christy Leath.

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.




Boston U. (29-20, AE 15-5) 200 000 0 - 2 7 1

UAlbany. (31-15, AE 15-5) 200 100 x - 3 7 1

Boston U.: Megan Currier and Christy Leath.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.