MIDDLESEX COLLEGE SOFTBALL TOPS #7 BROOKDALE 3-2 IN DH SPLIT

Middlesex College scored a walkoff 3-2 win over Brookdale Community College on a two-out single by Abigail Jason as the Colts in support of an outstanding effort in the circle by Kaitlynne McCarthy. The Colts dropped Game 2, but still remained in second place among Region XIX schools with a region record of 12-3. 

The Colts scored the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh when Jason's pop down the left field line glanced off the top of the glove of Brookdale's shortstop, who had ranged far into left field towards the line in pursuit. The Colts outhit Brookdale 8-6 in the game. In Game 2, the Colts threatened often, but couldn't find the timely hit. They stranded 11 runners despite pounding out 9 hits, in dropping a 9-3 decision.

Kaitlynne McCarthy (Sophomore/Woodbridge, NJ) went the distance in both games and is now 13-4 on the season. Her 13 wins are the third most in the country among NJCAA Division III schools and her 16 complete games are second best in the nation.

Brookdale (23-9) jumped out to 1-0 lead in Game 1, but the Colts bounced back to take the lead in the third inning on a two-run double by Olivia Tirso (Freshman/Elizabeth, NJ), scoring Jennah Schiraldo (Sophomore/Carteret, NJ) and Katelyn Herman (Sophomore/Fords, NJ), who both singled earlier in the inning.

The Jersey Blues tied it up in the sixth, setting the stage for the dramatic seventh inning walk-off victory. Destiny Gonzalez Freshman/Syareville, NJ) led off the seventh with a double over the centerfielder's head, and after two outs, Jason then singled to left field, allowing Gonzalez to score the game-winning run. Gonzalez finished with two hits, and Tirso had two doubles and two RBIs. McCarthy allowed six hits and recorded three strikeouts. Only one run was earned.

The Colts collected nine hits in Game 2, but several outstanding plays by Brookdale kept the Colts off the board. Chloe Oblepias (Sophomore/Carteret, NJ) led the Colt offense with three hits and an RBI. Tirso chipped in with two more hits. Alyssa Dima (Sophomore/Manville, NJ) added an RBI. 

The Colts will be back in action on Thursday, as Division 2 County College of Morris comes to town for a twinbill starting at 3:30pm.