Syracuse split its doubleheader Saturday evening against Virginia in Charlottesville. After dropping the first game 5-3, the Orange took the second game of the day, topping the Cavaliers 10-8.

In the first game, SU (18-17, 5-8 Atlantic Coast) sent Jocelyn Cater to the circle for the start, and she lasted the entire game, surrendering five runs on eight hits and three walks. Just two of the runs were earned. The senior pitcher also struck out six in the loss and walked three.

Offensively the Orange scored a run in each of the first three innings to jump ahead 3-0. Andrea Bombace and Alyssa Dewes each notched RBIs for Syracuse, with the third run coming as a result of a Cavalier throwing error.

Though up early, a three-run bottom of the third for Virginia (13-26, 3-8), coupled with two more runs in the following two innings, put the Orange behind 5-3, where it would stay the rest of the game.

In the second game, the first win of the weekend for the Orange, Syracuse sharply turned around its hitting.

Eight different Syracuse batters tallied hits, including four from Sammy Fernandez and three from Maddi Doane. Bombace tallied a home run in the first inning, and Fernandez, Corinne Ozanne and Olivia Martinez each had doubles in the victory.

The Orange scored a total of 10 runs in the first five innings of the game, but were unable to add any more from there.

Defensively, the Orange gave AnnaMarie Gatti the nod as the starting pitcher. The sophomore encountered trouble early, giving up seven runs in the first three innings on eight hits and one walk. Four of the runs were earned.

After throwing just 2 2/3 innings, Gatti was replaced by Sydney O’Hara. The junior gave up just one run on a homer in the fifth, while striking out seven and walking two.

She was followed in relief by Cater, who earned her first save of the season, giving up no runs on zero hits, three strikeouts and one walk. She walked off the mound with the scoreboard behind her showing a Syracuse victory, 10-8.

The Orange finishes its weekend series against Virginia on Sunday in Charlottesville, with first pitch scheduled for noon.

Published on April 9, 2016 at 10:29 pm

Contact Matt: mjfel100@syr.edu