Falcons push to end Owls unbeaten streak falls short after Walkoff Home Run; Falcons drop pair

Westfield MA - The Flock dropped game 1 of 2 to Westfield 10-0, then pushed Westfield to its limit, however the Owls walk-off home run pushes undefeated streak to 20. 

The Basics

Game 1: Fitchburg 0, Westfield 10

Game 2: Fitchburg 3, Westfield 4

Records: Fitchburg (3-17, 0-6 MASCAC), Westfield (20-0, 4-0 MASCAC)

How it Happened: 

Game 1

Fitchburg State struggled to generate offense throughout the contest, managing just one hit over five innings. Sophomore catcher Priscilla Dillon (Glennville, GA) accounted for the lone hit for the Falcons, while the lineup was otherwise held in check by Westfield starter Joss Mettey.

After two scoreless innings to begin the game, Westfield State broke through in the third inning with four runs, using a string of extra-base hits to take a 4-0 lead. The Owls continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning, adding six more runs—including a two-run home run—to extend the advantage to 10-0.

Defensively, the Falcons committed three errors, which contributed to key scoring opportunities for Westfield State, including unearned runs in the third inning. In the circle, freshman Alison Hazel (Winchendon, MA) took the loss, allowing 10 runs (nine earned) on 11 hits over 3.2 innings of work. Fellow freshman Brianna Lynch (Pittsfield, MA) came on in relief and recorded the final out of the fourth inning, striking out one.

The Falcons fell to 3-16 overall and 0-5 in conference play, while the Owls remained unbeaten at 19-0 (3-0 MASCAC).

Game 2

The Flock turned a page in the second game, as Fitchburg State jumped out to an early lead in the second inning, plating two runs. Freshman Kiley Connors (Newington, CT) delivered an RBI single to right field that brought home freshman Amaya Carrion (East Longmeadow, MA) and senior Shaelyn Burns (North Attleboro, MA) to give the Falcons a 2-0 advantage.

Westfield State answered in the bottom half of the inning, capitalizing on miscues to score three unearned runs and take a 3-2 lead.

The Falcons responded in the third inning to even the score at 3-3. Shaelyn Burns (North Attleboro, MA) recorded an RBI groundout to bring home junior Jessica Mueller (Fitchburg, MA), who led the offense with a strong 3-for-4 performance at the plate, including a double.

Fitchburg State held Westfield State in check over the next several innings behind the pitching of senior Madison Solt (Salem, NH), who allowed just four hits and one earned run over six innings while working around four walks.

However, in the bottom of the seventh inning, Westfield State's Sarah Hough delivered a walk-off solo home run to lift the Owls to the 4-3 victory as Fitchburg State gave Westfield a great effort towards their now 20 game unbeaten streak. 

Offensively, the Falcons recorded seven hits in the contest. Kiley Connors (Newington, CT), junior Jessica Mueller (Fitchburg, MA), sophomore Priscilla Dillon (Glennville, GA), sophomore Chloe Bafundo (Southington, CT), and freshman Amaya Carrion (East Longmeadow, MA) each contributed hits in the effort. Defensively, Fitchburg State committed four errors, which led to three unearned runs and proved costly in the one-run setback.

By the Numbers

• Fitchburg State scored 3 runs in each game, totaling 6 runs across the doubleheader.

• The Falcons recorded 8 total hits, including 7 in Game 2 after being held to just 1 in Game 1.

• Jessica Mueller (Fitchburg, MA) led the offense with a 3-for-4 performance in Game 2.

• Fitchburg State committed 7 errors across the two games, leading to multiple unearned runs.

• Falcon pitching allowed just 5 earned runs across both games, despite surrendering 14 total runs.

• Madison Solt (Salem, NH) threw a complete game in Game 2, allowing 1 earned run over 6 innings.

• The Falcons took an early lead in Game 2 and were tied entering the seventh before falling on a walk-off home run.

Up Next

The Falcons will look to bounce back as they continue conference play in their next outing, as they host Salem State for a doubleheader this Saturday at Noon. 

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