Trailing 3-1 heading into the bottom of the sixth, the Canisius softball team scored four runs and freshman pitcher Erika Mackie worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh to secure a 5-3 win over Detroit in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader Tuesday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex. Canisius (14-10) saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end with an 11-5 loss in game one of the twinbill, and that victory ended the Titans' (3-29) eight-game losing streak. Tuesday's games at home were the first of the season for Canisius after the Blue and Gold played 22 games on the road or at neutral venues to open the season.
In the second game, Detroit held a 3-1 lead heading into the home-half of the sixth, where sophomore Lindsey Silfer got things started with a base-hit to right. After Detroit made a pitching change to bring in reliever Christa MaGahuey, Silfer moved to second base when sophomore Samantha Sharkey was hit by a pitch. Pinch-hitter Sarah Andrews drew a free pass to load the bases, which forced Detroit to bring starter Hannah Leppek back into the circle to pitch. Silfer would score moments later on a wild pitch and then junior Meghan Cuda tied the game at 3-3 with a sacrifice-fly to right that pushed Sharkey across the plate. Canisius took the lead for good at 4-3 when junior Tori Nappo scored on a throwing error by Detroit's defense and freshman Moriah Harris, who pinch hit earlier in the frame scored the Griffs' fifth run of the night when senior Michelle DelPrince reached on a fielding error by the Titans.
In the seventh, Detroit was able to load the bases against Mackie by earning three walks in the inning, but the Scranton, Pa., native buckled down and secured the win for the Blue and Gold when she got a fly-ball out to right to end the game. Mackie picked up her team-leading seventh win of the season in the game two victory after she allowed three runs on seven hits while walking seven and striking out one. McGahuey took the loss for Detroit in relief after she gave up two runs, one earned on zero hits while facing just two Canisius batters in the bottom of the sixth.
Canisius had four hits in the game two win, with senior Robin Kennery going 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored. Silfer, Cuda and junior Alexis Roman also had base hits in the winning effort for the Blue and Gold.
In the first game, Canisius jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after three innings of play, but Detroit scored four times in the fourth and four more times in the fifth to push to an 8-3 advantage. In the fifth, McGahuey ripped a grand slam to give the Titans a five-run cushion, her seventh homer of the season. McGahuey started the game in the circle for the Titans and was lifted after just 0.2 innings of work after she allowed two runs on a hit while walking two. Leppek came on in relief of McGahuey in the first game and picked up the victory after she allowed three runs, one earned, on seven hits while walking one and fanning one.
Canisius junior Carey Seeger took the loss in relief of starter Madi Weathers. Weathers went 3.1 innings and allowed four runs, two earned, on four hits to go with five strikeouts and three walks. Seeger pitched 3.2 innings and gave up seven runs on five hits while walking three.
In the first game, DelPrince and Cuda had two hits each for the Blue and Gold and Kennery drove in a pair of runs.
The Griffs will return to action Thursday, April 9, when the team hosts Syracuse at the Demske Sports Complex. Game time is set for 5 p.m.
Game Notes: Canisius now leads the series against Detroit 4-3… This was the first meeting between the two programs since the 2011 season… The Griffs' come-from-behind win in game two marks the first time in 47 contests where the Blue and Gold won despite trailing into the sixth inning… Sophomore Jessica Berzins drew a walk in both games on Tuesday. She has now reached base safely in 37 of the team's last 38 games, dating back to last season… Sharkey saw her string of reaching base safely in 13-straight games come to an end in game one… Kennery's double in game two gives her 30 for her career, which ties her for 13th all-time in program history… Mackie's seven wins are the most for a Canisius rookie pitcher since former Griff and current assistant Jen Consaul had eight wins in the circle in 2011.
