Softball 3/11/2012 4:24:00 PM

Doubleheader Split for Lightning Softball Against SUNY Purchase

March 10, 2012

Box Score Gm. 1
Box Score Gm. 2

PURCHASE, N.Y. - Same opponent, strikingly different results.

Just as in 2011, the Lehman softball team started its 2012 season against SUNY Purchase, but that's where the similarities ended as the Lightning earned a split of the doubleheader, dropping the first game 10-9 before bouncing back to take the second game 7-5.

One year ago the Panthers pounced on the Lightning, embarrassing the team 13-3 and 22-2 as the Lightning totaled a combined 13 hits in the two games.

On Saturday afternoon the Lightning had its hitting shoes on from the start, posting four runs in the first inning behind a two-run single from Genesis Batista, an RBI double from Jelsey Cox, and a fielder's choice ground out by Yatnery Almonte.

Purchase crept closer with two of its own in the first and another in the third before a second four run frame by the Lightning in the top of the fifth. In the inning Janet Ortiz contributed an RBI double and then was driven in by Natalie Martinez's RBI single. Ashley Williams later doubled home Batista, who had singled, and Martinez for the 8-3 lead.

Things unraveled for the Lightning in the fifth and sixth, however, as the Panthers scored six runs to tie the game at 9-9. Purchase's Christine Leo provided the big blow in the bottom of the sixth with a three-run double.
After the Lightning went down in order in the top of the seventh, the Panthers scratched out the winning run on two bunt singles, the second coming off the bat of shortstop Jennie Angelone to score Abigail Katz.

Batista finished the game 2-for-3 with three RBI and Martinez added two hits in four times at bat.

The roles were reversed somewhat in the second game as Purchase built a 4-1 lead through four innings only to watch the Lightning come storming back with a five-run top of the fifth. The rally featured eight straight Lightning batters reaching base and was highlighted by a two-run triple by Martinez and RBI singles from Williams, Ernestine Grant and Sheila San Andreas.

Lehman added its final run in the top of the sixth on an RBI groundout by Williams.

Purchase threatened in the bottom of the seventh, scoring two runs after two quick outs to start the inning. Potential existed for more but Katz was thrown out to end the game at second base from right field by Grant following the Purchase centerfielder's RBI base hit.

Martinez went the distance on the mound for the Lightning to pick up her first win of the season, scattering nine hits, striking out five and, most importantly, walking none. She also drove in three runs with her 2-for-4 performance at the plate. Ortiz (3-for-5, 2 runs scored), San Andreas (2-for-4, 2 runs) and Batista (2-for-2) each posted multi-hit games, and everyone in the Lightning lineup except Toni Angel Puya notched at least one hit.

Lehman opens its home schedule on Wednesday when Wesley College visits the South Field.

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