Avery Vale-Cruz came within one out of a no-hitter as the Rhode Island Rams completed a doubleheader sweep against New Haven on April 14. The Rams improved their record to 13-21, while New Haven fell to 7-28. Both Vale-Cruz and Brooke Gerry pitched complete games to secure the two victories for Rhode Island.
The games saw Rhode Island overcoming early mistakes in the first matchup, eventually defeating New Haven 4-3. Despite giving up an early lead after a leadoff double and an error, the Rams responded with timely hitting and defensive plays. Notably, Katie Knarr executed an unassisted double play in the opening inning that helped limit further damage.
Rhode Island’s offense was led by Meg McNally, Riley Frickleton, Kylie Bulinski, Becca Zawistowski, Rayah Snyder, Brooke Fairbanks, Giuliana Ialongo and others who contributed key hits throughout both games. In game one, runs were driven in by Zawistowski’s sacrifice fly and singles from Knarr and Ialongo. Gerry managed to close out the game by retiring New Haven in order in the final inning.
In game two, Vale-Cruz nearly made program history with her performance on the mound. She allowed only one hit with two outs in the seventh inning before finishing off her second career shutout as Rhode Island won 3-0. Snyder provided all three runs batted in for URI during this contest with a single and doubles alongside Fairbanks’ contributions at bat.
This outing marked Vale-Cruz’s seventh complete game of the season while Gerry recorded her fifth such effort. Other notable performances included multi-hit days from Snyder and Bulinski as well as scoring contributions from McNally.
Rhode Island is scheduled to travel next for a doubleheader against Sacred Heart on Wednesday afternoon.
