WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross softball senior Kelly Nelson hurled a one hitter during a 6-0 game one victory while sophomore Megan Yurchick struck out a career-high 10 batters in a 5-1 game two win against non-conference opponent Central Connecticut State Thursday afternoon on Freshman Field.

Nelson allowed only two baserunners, a hit by pitch, and a single in the top of the sixth as the Crusaders (13-23) bested the Blue Devils (5-32) in game one. During the second contest, Yurchick punched out 10, a new personal best including striking out the one-through-three hitters in order twice in the ballgame. Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth the Crusaders rallied for the comeback win.

Sophomore Jessica Mott was an unblemished 4-for-4 in game one as she set single game personal bests in hits (4) and doubles (2). Classmate Claire McCann tallied her third three hit game over the past six contests going 3-for-4 with a run scored. McCann currently has a six game hitting streak raising her batting average from .209 to .295 in the process.
 
GAME ONE: CRUSADERS 6, BLUE DEVILS 0 (FINAL):

IN THE CIRCLE:

• Senior Kelly Nelson: W (9-12), complete game, one hitter, 11 strikeouts.
• Kari Marks: L (1-9), 14 hits allowed, five earned runs, two strikeouts, four walks.

STEPPING TO THE PLATE:

• Jessica Mott: 4-for-4, two doubles, three RBI, run scored, stolen base.
• Claire McCann: 3-for-4, run scored.
• Senior Erin Bengston: 2-for-2, two doubles, RBI, walk.
• Junior Kari Jacobson: 2-for-3.
• Junior Bailey Bates: 1-for-3, double, RBI, run scored, walk.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• In the first, Mott began the game doubling off the left field fence. Three batters later, Yurchick flared a single into right center to load the bases with one down. The Crusaders had two hitters counts, but ended up popping up and lining out to the end the inning.
• The Crusaders again loaded the bases in the second as Bates led off the frame with a double to left. Mott dug into the box and lofted a sacrifice fly to center for the first run.
• In the third, Holy Cross packed the bases full and Mott beat out an infield single for her second RBI of the showdown.
• The fourth marked the fourth straight inning that the Crusaders loaded the bags. Bates worked a walk to drive in a run and freshman Callie Thibault smacked a sacrifice fly to make it a 4-0 game.
• The fifth saw the Crusaders not load the bases for the first time in the game, however, a Bengston RBI double expanded the margin to 5-0.
• During the bottom half of the frame, Central Connecticut notched their first hit when Alex Rogers singled to center on the eighth pitch of the at bat.
• Mott doubled down the left field line in the sixth for her fourth hit of the contest and third RBI.

A 4?? hit game for Jessica Mott!

?? https://t.co/6fxGmXnl5o#GoCrossGo pic.twitter.com/8xfILluF2y
— Holy Cross Softball (@HCrossSB) April 14, 2022
 

GAME TWO: CRUSADERS 5, BLUE DEVILS 1 (FINAL):

IN THE CIRCLE:

• Megan Yurchick: W (4-11), complete game, 10 strikeouts, four hits allowed one earned run.
• Ashley Antonazzo: L (1-11) complete game, three strikeouts, four hits allowed, earned run.

STEPPING TO THE PLATE:

• Megan Yurchick: 1-for-3, run scored.
• Senior Jessie Nagel: 1-for-2.
• Callie Thibault: 1-for-2, run scored.
• Senior Bailey Chavez: 0-for-3, run scored, RBI
• Claire McCann: 3-for-4.
• Junior Bailey Bates: 2-for-3.
• Freshman Callie Thibault: 1-for-2, RBI, two walks.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Yurchick began the contest by striking out the side in the top of the first sending all three batters down swinging.
• She retired the first eight batters of the game before Rogers singled down the left field line. Rogers was caught in a pickle and was tagged out between first and second base.
• In the top of the fourth, Yurchick again sat down the top of the lineup in order via punch out.
• In the sixth with two away, Central Connecticut finally cracked the scoring column when Meg Dugas slapped an opposite field double to right to bring in the first run.
• Holy Cross loaded the bases in the sixth and scored the eventual game winning run off a fielder's choice.

WE HAVE THE LEAD!!!!

?? https://t.co/c6Epe3oM5R#GoCrossGo pic.twitter.com/ogwPimEAQS
— Holy Cross Softball (@HCrossSB) April 14, 2022
 

DUE UP:

• Holy Cross hits the road for Patriot League action this weekend when they ship off to Boston to take on Boston University (27-13, 6-0 PL) Saturday at 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.

 
FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross softball team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossSB | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrosssb | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Softball | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross