Johnson throws two-hitter in second game

Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score

RINDGE, N.H. (April 24, 2009) – Freshman pitcher Jennifer Lowrey (Assonet, Mass./Apponequet) threw a one-hit shutout and recorded 13 strikeouts on Friday afternoon to lead Assumption to 1-0 victory over the Franklin Pierce University softball team in the second game of a Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader at Franklin Pierce Softball Field. Assumption also won the first game, 2-1, as junior center fielder Meghan DiVitto (Milford, Mass./Milford) went 2-for-2 and scored twice.

In the first game, Franklin Pierce opened the scoring with a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Freshman third baseman Meaghan O’Neal (Littleton, Mass./Littleton) led off with a double into the gap in left-center field, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on an RBI single through the left side of the infield by senior designated player Elaine Matthews (Roslindale, Mass./Archbishop Williams).

Assumption immediately tied the game at 1-1 with an unearned run in the top of the fifth inning. DiVitto led off, was hit by the pitch, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, took third on a passed ball and scored when junior catcher Ashley Pirez (Bolton, Mass./Nashoba) reached on an error by the center fielder.

Assumption scored the eventual winning run in the top of the seventh inning to take a 2-1 lead it would not relinquish. DiVitto led off with a single to left field, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and came around to score on an RBI single to center field by Pirez.

Senior pitcher Courtney Jacobs (Fitchburg, Mass./Fitchburg) threw a complete game and took the loss (3-15) for Franklin Pierce in the first game. Over seven innings, she allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits, did not issue a walk, hit a batter and struck out three.

Freshman Casey Halajian (Quincy, Mass./Archbishop Williams) started, threw five innings and did not factor in the decision for Assumption. She gave up one run on six hits, did not issue a walk and struck out one. Sophomore Chelsea Durso (Salem, N.H./Salem) threw two shutout innings in relief, allowed one hit and struck out five of the seven batters she faced to pick up the win (3-4).

In the second game, Assumption scored the only run of the game, an unearned run, in the top of the fourth inning. With one out, sophomore shortstop Marissa Palumbo (Worcester, Mass./Holy Name) worked a walk, moved to second on a walk to sophomore first baseman Amy Gordon (Seekonk, Mass./Bishop Feehan), took third on a passed ball and scored on an RBI groundout by DiVitto.

In the second game, sophomore pitcher Kayla Johnson (Hudson, N.H./Alvirne) threw a two-hitter and did not allow an earned run, but was saddled with the loss (0-9) in the circle for Franklin Pierce. She allowed one unearned run, walked three and struck out two.

Meanwhile, Lowrey authored a gem to pick up the win (9-5) for Assumption. She threw a one-hit shutout, walked three and struck out 13.

The Ravens (5-31, 1-21 Northeast-10) return to the field on Saturday, April 25, when they host New Haven in a Northeast-10 Conference doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon at Franklin Pierce Softball Field in Rindge, N.H. Assumption (17-22, 11-12 Northeast-10) returns to action on April 25 at home against Saint Rose and Adelphi.