Massachusetts Claims Series Victory Over Fordham In Friday Doubleheader

AMHERST, MASS. -- Massachusetts (7-18, 3-2 A-10) claimed it's first Atlantic 10 series victory of 2024, sweeping Fordham (11-17-1, 2-3) in doubleheader action on Friday afternoon at Sortino Field.

The Minutewomen got the best of the Rams in what as offensive juggernaut of a game to start the Friday matchups. The two teams combined for 23 hits and 23 runs in the game with the Minutewomen claiming a 13-10 victory to start the afternoon. Massachusetts claimed an 8-1 lead through the first four innings of play, however the Rams would respond with nine runs of their our to take the advantage heading into the sixth inning. Junior Grace Cadden lifted the Minutewomen to the win, blasting a grand slam to provide a lead that UMass would not surrender.

Massachusetts kept the dramatics coming in game two, securing a 7-6 victory with a walk-off run on a Fordham passed ball in the eighth inning. The Minutewomen started the second game off strong, scoring at least one run in each of the first four innnings of play. The Rams would once again respond, this time with a five-run fifth inning that would tie the game at 5-5. The evening matchup remained deadlocked after seven despite multiple runners on-base for both teams. Facing a one-run deficit in the bottom of the eighth inning, senior Chloe Whitter launched a game-tying solo home run over the left field fence, giving UMass a chance to walk off the game. The Minutemen took advantage of opportunity as Senior Bella Pantoja, crossed the plate on a first-pitch Fordham passed ball.

Senior Sarah Keagy led the offensive effort for the Minutewomen going 6-9 from the plate including two home runs and seven RBIs between both matchups. The designated hitter had three hits in each matchup and six RBIs in the first game of the day.

Sophomore Natalee Horton earned her second win of the season in game two, pitched an eight inning complete game. Horton tallied eight strikeouts while allowing just three extra-base hits.

Notable Numbers

1: Cadden launched her first career grand slam
2: Massachusetts secured its first two wins over Fordham since 2019.
2: The Minutewomen claimed two wins on the day, clinching the series.
2: Cadden blasted Massachusetts' second grand slam of the season.
3: Cadden totaled three hits on the day, recording five RBIs
4: Massachusetts combine for four home runs between three different players
11: Bolton earned her 11th start of the season in game one.
21: The Minutewomen combined for 21 hits across both games.
23: UMass and Fordham combined for 23 hits and 23 runs in game one of the day.

Up Next

UMass hosts Fordham, closing out the three-game series on Sunday, March 24 at 4 p.m. at Sortino Field. Links and live updates can be found at umassathletics.com and @umasssoftball on X (Twitter).

Scoreboard