NEW BRITAIN, Conn.- Amidst weather more suited for kite flying than softball, the Red Flash softball team used their bats and a masterful complete game to win 12-1 over NEC opponent Central Connecticut State.

Game Recap

·         Eager to keep the momentum from yesterday's comeback win surging, the Red Flash, like lightning, struck fast. MeKenzie Saban (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) singled and Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) homered on the first two pitches for an early 2-0 lead. Jordan Frank (DuBois, Pa./DuBois Central Catholic) followed with a two-out double. Mikayla Bower (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport) singled in Frank and SFU was up 3-0.

·         Christina Clark (Avon, Ohio/Avon High School) started in the circle for Saint Francis and recorded two strikeouts in the bottom of the first inning to set the tone.

·         SFU had one baserunner but couldn't score in the top of the second frame.

·         CCSU scored a run when the wind took a routine fly ball and made it a double. The Blue Devils appeared ready to notch another run until Frank threw a laser to home plate to vaporize the runner for the third out.

·         In the third inning, Saint Francis was retired in order on three grounders. CCSU was similarly shut down as Clark kept dealing.

·         The fourth inning witnessed SFU breakthrough for four runs and some Saint Francis history. Walker reached on an error and Saban doubled. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) singled in Walker for her third RBI of the game. Norton then crushed a three-run homer to make SFU history with her 191^st career RBI. The ball, despite the heavy crosswinds, cleared the field's fence but its trajectory and speed guided it past the grove of trees and a second fence that guarded a deep ravine where can be seen the best of homers pledged. Two more baserunners followed for the Red Flash but two grounders ended the frame with SFU up, 7-1.

·         CCSU countered with a baserunner but Clark ended her threat with a swinging strikeout.

·         In the fifth inning, Walker reached third thanks to a wild pitch and sacrifice bunt but she was stranded there.

·         Clark continued her masterful performance with a 1-2-3 inning.

·         Saint Francis entered the sixth inning looking for the eight run advantage but the feat was not fated to be done.

·         The Blue Devils hit two singles and collected a walk to load the bases but Clark induced a simple grounder to Troxell for the third out.

·         In the top of the seventh inning, the Red Flash exploded for five insurance runs. Three walks loaded the bases for Saban. The sophomore shortstop displaying an eagle eye wore the pitcher down and the fatigued hurler allowed a RBI walk. Cheyenne McKee (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) put any vapors of a comeback to rest when her double cleared the ducks off the pond for an 11-1 score. Those three runs gave the senior second baseman six RBIs for the afternoon. Norton followed up with a sacrifice fly to add to her RBI record. When the dust settled, Saint Francis owned a decisive 12-1 advantage.

·         CCSU threatened to narrow the deficit after two walks and an error loaded the bases. But three putouts by sure-gloved Troxell finalized the score at 12-1 and the Red Flash moved to 3-1 to christen NEC play.

Notes

·         At one point in Game One, SFU was trailing 6-0 to CCSU. Since that inning, the Red Flash outscored CCSU 24-1 en route to two crucial conference triumphs.

·         Cheyenne McKee's (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) six RBIs were the most by a SFU batter since fellow teammate Hayley Norton (Spring Grove, Pa./Spring Grove) knocked in six runs against, who else, Central Connecticut State on April 21, 2018. The outing is another gem in the treasure trove that is Cheyenne McKee's (DuBois, Pa./DuBois) career.  

·         Speaking of Norton and her propensity for racking up the RBIs, the senior slugger conquered another record to her ever growing list of accomplishments. The three-run round-bagger gave her 191 RBIs for her career. Norton started the day in a tie with former teammate Madison Cabell (Ivor, Va./Southampton) at 188 RBIs.

Up Next

The Red Flash journey to University Park to take on instate rival Penn State for a doubleheader. First game is scheduled for 5 pm. SFU fans, be sure to travel there, wear red, and cheer loudly for your Red Flash!