CCSU Drops Two More to LIU on Saturday

The Blue Devils dropped two more games and were swept by the LIU Sharks on Saturday. The losses marked the first time CCSU has lost more than two consecutive games this season. The Sharks have now won 15 consecutive games and stand at 23-3 overall and in NEC play. With the four losses, Central falls to 18-9 overall and 16-4 in Northeast Conference games. Although the Blue Devils could not find a win, freshman Paige Stringer tied the all-time single-season home run record with her 10th home run in the first inning of game two.

GAME ONE

Score: Central Connecticut 2, Long Island 3

Records: CCSU (18-8, 16-3 NEC), LIU (22-3, 22-3 NEC)

Location: LIU Softball Complex | Brookville, NY

Pitching Records: W: Woodson (11-1) | L: Marks (3-2) | Sv: --

KEY MOMENTS

• Both teams started off slowly at the plate, with no combined hits in the first two innings. In the top of the third, junior Carli Backlund delivered with a RBI single scoring Rian Eigenmnn.

• After scoring the run in the third, CCSU loaded the bases with two outs the following inning. Meg Gorman hit a hard ground ball to third, but Bri Walker was called out on the fielder's choice and Central could not capitalize. 

• The Sharks were able to score in the bottom of the fourth off a bloop single from Samantha Garcia. Center fielder Meg Dugas made a throwing error on the play, which allowed a second LIU run to score and give the Sharks a 2-1 lead.

• Shortstop Carli Backlund stayed hot at the plate, blasting a solo home run to center field to tie the game. The drive was the second home run of the series for Backlund.

• After a leadoff walk followed by a single and a stolen base, LIU quickly had runners on second and third with no outs. Dallas Andrews of LIU grounded out to second, but did her job as the Sharks took a 3-2 lead. 

• The Blue Devils had an opportunity to tie the game in the 7th, with a runner on third and two outs. Paige Stringer then ripped a ground ball, but went right at the shortstop who made the final play.

GAME TWO

Score: Central Connecticut 6, Long Island 9

Records: CCSU (18-9, 16-4 NEC), LIU (23-3, 23-3 NEC)

Location: LIU Softball Complex | Brookville, NY

Pitching Records: W: Lowe (6-1) | L: Antonazzo (5-2) | Sv: --

KEY MOMENTS

• Freshman Paige Stringer found herself in the record books with a two-run blast in the first inning. It was her 10th home run of the season, which tied the CCSU single-season record.

• After getting a run back in the bottom of the first, the Sharks tacked on two more the following inning. Patricia Griffin hit a RBI single and later scored off a throwing error from catcher Rian Eigenmann. 

• Central was able to tie the game after Brooke Fedison laid down a perfect bunt and Kim Howard scored on a throwing error. Senior Bri Walker then followed with a line drive home run to left center field, giving CCSU a 5-3 advantage.

• The Blue Devil lead did last long, as the Sharks scored five runs in a big fifth inning and took a 8-5 lead.

• In the top of the sixth, Central had a prime opportunity to score some runs with runners on second and third with no outs. The ensuing batters, Bri Walker and Meg Gorman, both struck out looking and Rian Eigenmann grounded out to third. LIU got out of the inning unscathed.

• Central found itself down 9-5 in the 7th, when Paige Stringer hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field. However, the one run would not be enough and the Blue Devils were swept by the Sharks.

UP NEXT

Central will play Saint Francis University on the road on Wednesday and Thursday.