LANCASTER, Pa.- The Franklin & Marshall softball team (5-12, 0-2 Centennial) fell to Lebanon Valley (13-10, 5-1 MAC Freedom) to open today's doubleheader, losing 11-0 in six frames. The teams started the second game before weather suspended the game in the top of third inning with the Dutchmen leading, 1-0. The afternoon was highlighted by Aliza Sheflin recording her 100th career strikeout.
Game One
Lebanon Valley made use of a five-run fifth inning and fourth-run sixth inning to secure an 11-0 win in six frames, while they contained the Diplomats' offense to just one hit via Jaden Spigner.
Sheflin pitched the first 4.2 innings with four earned runs from seven total runs, ten hits, three walks, and two strikeouts. With her first strikeout of the inning, which concluded the first inning, she became the 17th Diplomat to reach 100 career strikeouts.
Lebanon Valley scored their first run of the game in the top of the second, as two runners singled with one out to begin the frame. Later on in the inning with two runners in scoring position, an infield single scored a run before a flyout ended the first. The Dutchmen claimed a 2-0 lead in the via back-to-back one-out doubles before Sheflin drew a flyout and popout.
Lebanon Valley struck for five runs in the fifth inning, with three runs coming with two outs. Two runners singled with one out, and both came home on a double to center field. Two consecutive walks loaded the bases, and an infield error brought another run home while keeping the inning alive for the Dutchmen. They made use of this by scoring two more before the end of the frame to lead 7-0.
Lebanon Valley reached the run-rule threshold with a four-run sixth inning. A stretch of five singles from six at-bats brought three runs across the plate, while another runner crossed the plate on an infield error. The Dutchmen led 11-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, and they retired F&M in order.
Game Two
The sides entered the bottom of the third inning before nearby lightning strikes suspended play with the Dutchmen ahead, 1-0, and the game unofficial. Up to that point, Spigner, Kate DelGrippo, and Megan Wiarda registered singles. In the circle, Ainsley McClure pitched three innings with one earned run and five hits.
The Diplomats host Haverford for a Centennial Conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 5, at 1:00 p.m.
