Destinee Sinks Smith In Extra Innings
SOFTBALL SINKS SMITH 3-2 IN EIGHT-INNING THRILLER
CHICOPEE, MA, April 13, 2009 - Elms College sophomore designated player Destinee Meeker (Bantam, CT) delivered the game-tying, two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh and the Blazers plated the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth to earn a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Smith College in Monday's non-conference softball game at Condon Field.
Elms College won its seventh straight in heart-racing fashion to improve to 10-9 overall. Smith lost for the eighth time in nine games to fall to 5-19.
The Blazers trailed 2-0 in the bottom of the seventh when freshman first baseman Courtney Hampton (Westfield, MA) hit a one-out single through the left side.
Smith senior pitcher Emily Hiltzik (Westbury, NY) responded with a strikeout for the second out of the inning.
With the Blazers then down to their final strike, Meeker crushed the game-tying, two-run shot deep off the top of the left field foul pole for her team-leading third home run of the year to send the game to extra frames.
Elms College then dug in with two clutch defensive plays in the eighth, as junior catcher Kim Lastowski (Turners Falls, MA) threw out Smith's lead runner on a fielder's choice for the first out of the inning.
Although Smith senior first baseman Jessie Paull (Mercer Island, WA) followed with a single to left center, Elms College sophomore pitcher Ani Ramsdell (Gardner, MA) forced two straight groundouts to escape the threat.
From there, junior second baseman Ally Graffum (Ipswich, MA) came around to score the game-winner from second on an infield error in the home half of the eighth.
Despite committing two early errors, the Blazers turned a season-high four double plays, which included a game-saver by freshman third baseman Kelly Callahan (Monson, MA) in the top of the seventh.
With the bases loaded and no outs, Callahan dove to make a brilliant snag of a screaming line drive down the third base line by Hiltzik. Callahan then tagged third to complete the heads-up, double play.
Ramsdell was outstanding for the Blazers, as she scattered six hits over eight innings, struck out five and allowed just one earned run to even her record at 5-5 on the season.
Hiltzik gave up two earned runs on nine hits, struck out seven and did not issue a walk as the tough-luck loser.
During the Blazers' current seven-game win streak, Meeker has been nearly unstoppable at the plate, as she is batting .474 with three home runs and 17 RBI.
Elms College returns to New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) play with a crucial doubleheader at conference-leading Lesley University on Wednesday, April 15. Game one is set for 3:00 p.m.