Bears trample Rams in doubleheader

04/03/09 - The University of Rhode Island softball team (7-20 overall, 1-3 A-10) lost its doubleheader at in-state rival Brown University on Tuesday afternoon, 4-3 in game one and 3-1 in game two. Sophomore shortstop Amanda Sbei led the Rams offensively in both games going a combined 3-for-4 driving in all four runs.

"I'm really pleased with what she is doing out there for us," head coach Erin Layton said. "She came off the bench for us in game one with two outs bases loaded and hit a double."

Brown started off strong offensively scoring three runs on two hits in the bottom half of the inning to take an early 3-0 lead.

Rhody threatened in the top of the fourth as Marybeth Ball hit a two out double, while Brown starting pitcher Trish Melvin walked the next two URI batters loading the bases for the Rams. But, freshman outfielder Brittany Julich struck out ending the Rams scoring opportunity.

Rhody threatened again with two outs and the bases loaded in the seventh inning. Senior Rachel Rosenwasser walked, Julich reached on a fielder's choice, and centerfielder Stefani Poedubicky singled loading the bases for Sbei, who was pinch-hitting for junior Jackie Kampmeier. Sbei hit a bases clearing double that cut the Bears lead to 4-3 on her first RBI's of the year. Freshman Courtney Prendergastt came up next but popped out ending the game.

Taking the loss for the Rams was freshman Alison Hatzell who allowed four runs on five hits in six innings of work. She fell to 5-7 on the year.

"In the first game we had a rough first inning," Layton said. "We gave up a couple of walks and hit batters that led to their four runs. That was frustrating, but I'm proud of the way we came back."

In game two, Rhody took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Sbei hit an RBI single that drove in Poedubicky, who led off the inning with a single. The Rams loaded the bases, but were unable to add to their lead.

The Bears tied the game in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI single. They added two more runs in the fourth on an RBI single and sacrifice fly to take a 3-1 lead.

Rhody had an opportunity to put runs on the board in the fifth as they had runners on first and third with just one out. Leah DiBussolo hit a line drive, but it was caught by third baseman Kate Strobel. Ball came up next and popped out to end the scoring chance.

Brown was able to hold off the Rams and take the doubleheader victory. Starting pitcher Stacey Stanovich took the loss allowing three runs on eight hits. Layton talked about the process of a young team adapting to a new coach.

"Every game is different," she said. "We've won and lost in a variety of different ways. This is a first year transition for the team. I'm asking them to do things different than they are used to. The girls are doing exactly what the coaching staff is asking them to do. We're happy with our leadership."

The Rams will host St. Louis University for a two game home stand. The first game is set for 3 p.m. this afternoon at the URI Softball Complex. Game two will be at 12 p.m. on Saturday.