Cusumano throws a no hitter in game one to lead the Mavericks to the sweep over ECC foe Dowling College
Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 The Mavericks are now 12–11 overall and 5–2 in the East Coast Conference. While the Golden Lions now fall to 6-16 overall and 1-7 in the conference.
Game 1: Mercy 1, Dowling 0
Cusumano led the Mavericks to the win in game one, pitching a complete seven inning game and not giving up a single run. She now has a total of six wins for the season.
The lone run from freshman Ashley Smith in the bottom of the fourth inning would be the eventual game winner, as neither team was able to score after that. Smith was able to score after pinch running for Gardiner, who singled through the right side at her at bat. Smith then brought in the winning run of the game off of a wild pitch from the Golden Lions.
Gardiner, freshman Joelle Salisbury, junior Julie Gross, and sophomore Clariet Saldana were the four Mavericks to record hits for game one. For the Golden Lions, Arianna La Puma had the most action at the plate, having a game-high two hits. Vanessa Juengerkes pitched a total six inning game for Dowling, striking out two batters.
Game 2: Mercy 9, Dowling 1
After a low scoring game one, the Mavericks were hungry for more runs at the start of game two. Gardiner led Mercy at the plate, recording four RBI for the Mavericks, along with two hits and two runs scored.
The Mavericks started scoring early, when they were able to score three runs in the bottom of the first innings to take the early lead. Starting off the scoring was Gardiner when she blasted a double down the right field line, bringing in sophomore Marlena Marzigliano and senior Milana Gilaga to put the Mavericks on the board. Next, Gross singled through the right side to allow Gardiner to score, wrapping up inning one with a 3-0 lead.
Mercy was able to hold off the Golden Lions scoring in the top of the second. However, it was then that the Mavericks went on a six run tear, increasing the score to 9-0. Scoring began in the second inning when Marzigliano singled to third base with the bases loaded, bringing in junior Katiana Golino for the first run of the rally. Next up was Gardiner, who singled up the middle advancing Marzigliano to third base and bringing Gilaga and junior Janelle Wade to the plate. Mercy gained a 6-0 lead. The scoring was not over yet, as freshman Kaylee Stevens singled up the middle, advancing Gardiner to third and bringing in Marzigliano. Next, Gross stepped up to the plate, doubling to left center field, moving Stevens to third and Gardiner to the plate. The final run for Mercy began with Golino, who singled up the right side allowing Stevens to score the ninth run of the game.
The Golden Lions fought back in the top of the third inning when Gianna Gatto singled up the middle of the field, reaching second on a throwing error and allowing Gabby Russo to score. However, it would not be enough as the Mavericks earned the victory in five innings.
Freshman Joelle Salisbury pitched a complete game for the Mavericks, throwing a total of 98 pitches in five innings. Salisbury struck out a total of four batters. The Golden Lions saw three different pitchers throughout the five innings. Stephanie White pitched a total of 2.1 innings, while teammate Theresa Cardello pitched one inning for Dowling.
Head Coach Mike Fazio and the Mavericks will look to continue their winning streak as they travel to Goldey-Beacom on Friday, Apr, 1 for a doubleheader. Game time is set for 2:30 & 4:15 PM.
