The University of Maryland Eastern Shore softball team split a doubleheader at Hampton on March 24, dropping the first game 7-0 before coming back to win the second game 5-3 after a four-run seventh inning.
The results mark an important turnaround for the Hawks, who managed to recover from being held hitless in Game 1 and secured their ninth win of the season. The performance may provide momentum as they approach their upcoming conference series.
In Game 1, Maryland Eastern Shore was unable to record a hit and left just four runners on base through seven innings. Hampton scored all seven runs in the first four innings. The Hawks’ pitching staff allowed fourteen hits and committed one error during the contest.
Game 2 saw Maryland Eastern Shore rebound with their first run coming from a home run in the second inning. After trailing into the seventh inning, the Hawks scored four runs to take control of the game. A key RBI double gave them their lead, followed by additional singles and walks that extended their advantage. The pitching staff closed out the victory despite allowing one unearned run in Hampton’s final at-bat.
Head coach Aaron Robinson said, “We showed we can hit in the clutch. Our ladies stayed patient and ultimately came up with some big hits when it mattered in the second game. We end the day with some momentum heading into a weekend series against Morgan State and we have to use it to our advantage.” He also said, “Our pitchers have been putting in the work to be great… Our pitching unit kept us in both games today and continue to do what they need to do to help us win.” Robinson added praise for his hitters: “I think our hitters need to approach every at bat with confidence… She had the capability to anything she wants when she believes in her ability.” He further noted individual contributions: “[She] gave us exactly what we needed with a line drive in the seventh to go ahead. She has done a good job of knowing the situation and providing a steady presence at the plate.”
The Hawks will next face Morgan State for another conference series beginning Saturday, March 28.
