ALLENTOWN, Pa. (March 18, 2010)- The Drew University softball squad completed a two-game sweep of the Muhlenberg College Mules Wednesday afternoon. Behind a 3-for-3 performance from junior second baseman Kati Eggert (Denville, N.J./Morris Knolls), the Rangers shut out the Mules in the first game of the doubleheader 3-0. In the second game, rookie shortstop Jeramie Barletta (Madison, N.J./Madison) went 2-4 with the game winning RBI to help the Rangers to their second straight win. Drew improved its record to 5-7 on the season while the Mules fell to 4-5.
Game One- The Rangers scored all three of their runs in the top of the fourth inning against the Mules who entered the game with a three-game win streak. Eggert dropped a bunt single and advanced to second when sophomore centerfielder Jackie Mannino (Little Silver, N.J./Redbank) was plunked by Mules ace Ashley Brewer. Junior first baseman Jillian Lusk sacrificed both runners putting both Eggert and Mannino in scoring position. Freshman left fielder Brenda Kramer (Tarzana, Calif./Sierra Canyon) walked to load the bases. Junior catcher Nicole Spiotta (Morris Plains, N.J./Morristown) singled in Eggert for the first run of the game. The Rangers would go on to score two more runs off bases loaded walks by Brewer.
It was an afternoon of fours for Rangers' ace Adriana Durso (Old Tappan, N.J./Northern Valley Old Tappan) who held the Mules to just four hits and fanned four batters on the way to her fourth victory of the season.
Game Two- In nightcap, Alexandra Aarons (East Norwich, N.Y./Oyster Bay) and Durso combined for a two-hitter. Aarons threw four innings of no-hit ball before giving up the Mules first hit of the game in the bottom of the fifth.
The Rangers scored the games only run in the top of the fifth. Pinch runner Jen Mateo (Union City, N.J./Union City) scored with two outs on an RBI single from Barletta. Mateo was running for Spiotta who led off the inning with a base hit.
Durso went in relief of Aarons and the Mules threatened in the bottom of the seventh inning by putting their first two batters on base. Shelby Smith worked a lead-off walk and advanced to second after Eggert bobbled what would have been at least one out. Pinch hitter Angie Sisco dropped a bunt single to load the bases but Durso bore down and struck out the next batter, Elizabeth Sullivan. Eggert would redeem herself by throwing a laser to Spiotta at the plate in time to get the lead runner, Smith, good for the second out. That was enough stress for Durso, she forced another ground out to end the game and picked up her first save of the season. Aarons recorded her first decision of the season, 1-0, and boasts a 0.00 ERA.
The Rangers continue non-conference action at home this Sunday, March 21 against the College of Staten Island at Noon.
