Moon Township, Pa. - The Robert Morris University softball team continued its opening home stand against non-conference opponent, Youngstown State University on Wednesday afternoon. In sunny and warm conditions, the Colonials used strong pitching and solid hitting to power past the Penguins, 3-2, in eight innings in the first contest, and 4-3 in the second half of the double header.
Robert Morris opened the day with two runs in the first inning. Jaci Timko (Houston, Pa. / Chartiers-Houston) got the Colonials going with her lead off single and scored off a Jessica Calderone (Wilmington, Del / St. Marks) hit down the left field line. With one out, Sarah Capp (McKees Rocks, Pa. / Montour) would also pick up a single to drive in Calderone for the second tally.
In the top of the third, the Penguins would deadlock the game at two where the score would stay until the bottom of the eighth frame.
Timko then once again lead off with a hit in the eighth and came home to score the winning run when Annie Dubovec (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston) put a single through the right side to win the game.
Sophomore pitcher Alexa Bryson (Greensburg, Pa. / Greater Latrobe) picked up her eighth win of the year as she struck out 11 batters and allowed no earned runs.
Just like the first contest, the Colonials registered the first two runs in the third frame with hits from Timko and Calderone.
Youngstown State then answered immediately with two runs of their own in the top of the fourth.
However, the tie would be broken in the in the bottom of the inning when Megan Picinic (Cliffside, NJ / Immaculate Heart) hit her first home run of the season as she lead off the frame. With two outs, Timko continued her explosive day at the plate as she drove in what would be the Colonial's winning run.
The Penguins would try a late rally attempt in the top of the sixth, but fell short as RMU held on to win, 4-3.
Dubovec got the win from the circle as she retired seven and walked one batter.
Robert Morris (10-10 ; 2-1 NEC) return to conference play on Friday afternoon when Saint Francis (Pa.) visits the North Athletic Complex for a NEC double header at 2:00 p.m.
