AMCATS snap UNE's 19-game win streak, split doubleheader

PAXTON, Mass. (04.12.11) - Junior Mary Moroski (Worcester, Mass.) hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the third inning of game one to lead the AMCATS of Anna Maria to a 4-1 victory over the Nor'easters of the University of New England on Tuesday afternoon in Paxton. The loss snapped an incredible 19-game winning streak for the Nor'Easters, including a 14-0 start in The Commonwealth Coast Conference. The Nor'easters were led by a stellar pitching performance from Amber Zablowsky (Rochester, Mass.) in game two, as the senior tossed a complete game shutout in the 8-0 victory. The AMCATS are now 12-14 on the season with a 5-9 record in the TCCC, while the Nor'Easters stand at 21-5, with an impressive 15-1 record in conference play.

Moroski was the star of the day offensively for the AMCATS, going three for six with a home run and three RBI. Megan Guager (South Paris, Maine) and Maegen Johnson (Standish, Maine) each had three hits on the day for the Nor'Easters.

Game One

The AMCATS got on the board in the bottom half of the first inning, as Sarah Boyda (Oxford, Mass.) began the frame with a single and eventual scored from third when UNE elected to throw down to second on a steal attempt by Allyssa Boykin (Worcester, Mass.).

The Nor'easters struck back in the top half of the second to tie the game at 1-1. Marie Mantelli (Thompson, Conn.) got on base with a walk, took second on a wild pitch, and came around to score on a double by Erin Lyons (Salem, N.H.).

With the score still knotted at 1-all, the AMCATS rallied in the bottom of the third. Boyda led off the inning with a bunt single, and was followed by a double from Boykin to put two runners in scoring position. Moroski, AMC's all-time leader in career home runs, then delivered what turned out to be the game-winning hit with a three-run blast over the left field fence.

Michelle Blackler (Ashland, Mass.) kept the UNE lineup off balance the rest of the way, surrendering just five hits while going the distance for the victory. The AMCATS were led offensively by Moroski who homered and drove in three runs, and Boyda who chipped in with two hits and two runs scored. The Nor'easters were by Lyons who had two hits and a run scored. Lyons also pitched well in the loss, allowing just three earned runs while striking out four.

Game Two

UNE starter Amber Zablowsky was in command on the mound from start to finish in the night cap, striking out two hitters in the first inning to set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Nor'easters got on the board with two runs in the second inning when Meagen Johnson stroked a two-run double to give the Nor'easters a 2-0 lead.

The visitors tacked on six runs over the final three innings, highlighted by three RBI from Stephanie Podolski (Coventry, Conn.), to seal the 8-0 win.

Zablowsky finished the complete game shutout, giving up just four hits, no walks, and striking out six. She also contributed at the plate, collecting a hit and three runs scored to help her own cause. The Nor'easters were led offensively by Podolski and Johnson who each had two hits while combing for five runs batted in. The AMCATS were led offensively by Moroski and Tabitha Ruggeri (Sturbridge, Mass.) who had two hits apiece in the defeat. Nicole Hackenson (Mendon, Mass.) took the loss on the mound for the AMCATS, giving up four earned runs while striking out six.

The AMCATS and Nor'easters both return to action on Thursday when they host TCCC doubleheaders starting at 3:00 pm. The AMCATS will take on Wentworth, while the Nor'easters face Curry.

Release Courtesy of Dan Harris for AMC Sports Information

Photo Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information