Thanks to Mya Lorenz for the pictures
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – North Park softball played two more highly competitive games on Tuesday, dropping a 5-3 game to Amherst in eight innings before an extra-inning win over Farmingdale State, 8-7.
AMHERST
North Park took an early lead over Amherst when Eden Baker walked and advanced to second on a bunt single by Isa Santos. Next, Katie Patton drew a walk to load the bases for Kathryn Keehn. With two outs, Keehn slapped a single up the middle, scoring Santos and Baker. Emily Reczek capped the scoring with an RBI single through the right side of the infield, putting NPU up 3-0.
However, Amherst got two back in the third and tied the game in the fifth on Rachel Lovej's solo home run.Â
The two teams were held scoreless through regulation, sending the game to extras.Â
Unfortunately, a two-run homer by Sadie Pool and a scoreless eighth for the Vikings led to a tough loss for NPU, 5-3.
FARMINGDALE STATE
The Vikings showcased a sensational comeback in their second game of the day, this time on the right side of an extra-inning battle.
Once more, North Park struck first when Kayla Lorenz chopped an infield single and brought home Santos on the ensuing throwing error, putting NPU up 1-0 after one inning. Farmingdale unloaded in the second for six runs, though, taking advantage of a pair of infield errors while utilizing three bunts and a pair of hits.
Climbing back from the 6-1 disadvantage, Lorenz plated Baker on a single in the third, Baker scored Kayla Sapolu on an infield single in the fourth, and Lorenz launched her first career homer to center field in the fifth. Next, still in the fifth inning, Maddy Tan was plunked with the bases loaded to put the Vikings within one.
Joining in on the fun, Reczek and Tan launched the first homers of their season in the sixth and seventh inning, respectively. Both round-trippers were solo shots putting the Vikings on top. 7-6.
Farmingdale State got one back in the seventh, forcing extra innings, but the Vikings were still riding the wave of momentum from their offensive outburst.Â
Emily Reczek added another RBI to the pile when she singled home Santos, the placed runner on second base, to give the Vikings an 8-7 lead.
Pitcher Maya Lafnear slammed the door in the eighth, sitting the Rams down in order to pick up her first win of the season.
Quick Hits:
- Lafnear navigates eight innings, allowing just two earned runs in her CG win
- Homers for Lorenz, Reczek, and Tan against Farmingdale State
- Baker and Lorenz both go 3-for-5 against the Rams
- Malicki fans eight in the hard-luck loss to Amherst, allowing only 3 ER through 8 IP
- Tan doubles against Amherst
What's Next?
North Park (2-3-1) will enjoy a day off before returning for two more games on Thursday, March 16. The Vikings play Southern Maine and Washington (MD), beginning with the Huskies at 9:00 AM ET back at Fortune Road.
