YSU runs streak to 6 with sweep

Staff report

ORANGEBURG, S.C.

The Youngstown State softball team extended its winning streak to six games after sweeping a doubleheader from South Carolina State, 9-0, and 5-4, on Thursday afternoon.

Freshman pitcher Casey Crozier picked up the victory in both games for the Penguins (7-3).

In the opener, Crozier tossed a four-hit shutout — her second consecutive shutout — and struck out five while Sarah Gabel went 3-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs.

Kristina Rendle, Vicky Rumph and Sarah Ingalls each tallied two hits for the Penguins.

In the nightcap, Crozier relieved starter Hana Somogyi, who pitched four innings and allowed just two hits and one earned run.

Crozier pitched three innings of relief to pick up her fourth victory of the season.

The Penguins recovered from two deficits, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh, and held off a Bulldogs’ rally that left the tying run on third and the winning run on second.

Trailing 3-2 in the top of the seventh, YSU’s Haley Thomas reached on an error to lead off the inning and advanced to second on Rendle’s bunt single. After Jordan Ingalls’ sacrifice pushed the runners to seconnd and third, Rumph tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Thomas and moving Rendle to third.

A single by Gabel drove in Rendle with the go-ahead run, then pinch-runner Shayla DeCapita stole second and scored on a single to center by Kim Klonowski.

In the bottom half of the frame, Crozier allowed a single, walk and an infield single to load the bases with no outs.

After striking out the next two batters, Crozier walked in a run, but induced a fly out to center field to end the game.

The Penguins trailed 1-0 after one inning before Rendle tied the game with an inside-the-park home run.

Jordan Ingalls followed with a triple and scored on Rumph’s sacrifice fly.