Links: Box Score
NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. –
Jenna Wike's deep drive to center field led the Warriors to a walk-off win in a key Northeast Conference game on Saturday, as the senior's first career home run propelled Merrimack to a 7-5 victory over LIU on Saturday.
The Basics
Score: Merrimack 7, LIU 5 | Final
Records: Merrimack Warriors (7-17, 3-6 NEC) | LIU Sharks (13-21, 2-5 NEC)
Location: Martone-Mejail Field | North Andover, Mass.
Scoring Plays
- Teams traded outs to start the day's contest with five hits between the squads through the top of the fifth inning. The Warriors locked in as rain started to fall in the bottom of the fifth. Ellen Hubbard worked a leadoff walk and stole second, with Madison Cerpa working a one out walk for two on. Madie Fornwalt sent a spinning hit to the circle to get on base to put three aboard for the Warriors. Nicole Basil walked in the first run of the day, with the nine hitter Sofia Palyan reaching on a fielder's choice as Cerpa was tagged out at home. Sarah Reisler walked in another run to force a pitching change, before the new face in the circle for the Sharks walked Sydney Shimkus for the third run that inning. Jenna Wike was hit by a pitch to score another run, before Ellen Hubbard's second walk of the inning put the fifth run across the plate for the day.
- In the top of the sixth, LIU's leadoff hitter walked before the second batter was hit by a pitch. With two on and no outs, the game was paused due to heavy rain that quickly tapered off. As teams returned to action, the Sharks loaded the bases after a catcher's interference call, and the first LIU run of the day crossed on a walk. A bases loaded chop to short stop turned a force out at second, allowing a second run to score. A sharp single just past first brought in the third run before a deep single to left tied the game at five.
- Merrimack came ready to work in the bottom of the seventh inning. Olivia Crowley pinch hit in the nine spot to lead things off and was hit by a pitch. Quick rookie Sydney Emerson took over as a pinch runner and advanced on a bunt by Reisler, who nearly reached first herself. Shimkus grounded back to the pitcher but allowed Emerson to advance to third. Her placement on base would be a non-factor as Jenna Wike found her pitch with a booming shot to deep center field to score a two-run walk off home run for the Warriors.
Pitchers of Record
Up Next:
Merrimack will play a doubleheader against LIU on Sunday, April 9 with games set for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in North Andover.
--
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit and follow the Warriors on Twitter and on Facebook.
