The Boston University softball team’s riflewomen were once again on target yesterday in the Terriers’ doubleheader sweep against the University of Maine at Malvern Field, bringing BU’s winning streak to lucky number 13.
Senior Robyn King pitched her fifth consecutive shutout in the second game, bringing her record to 9-1, while sophomore Robyn Horrick only allowed one run in the first contest, improving her record to 10-5, and pitching her 10th complete game of the season.
The wins saw the Terriers record improve to 23-11 (11-3 America East). The Black Bears saw their record fall to 8-31 (3-11 America East).
“It’s two wins,” said BU coach Amy Hayes. “Our pitching staff came out and did well again.”
While King and Horrick gave great performances that have become the expected — coming into the game, BU pitchers had posted 48 straight shutout innings over six games — BU was also paced by two big home runs.
In the first frame, senior catcher Leslie Linnemeyer blasted a two-run shot to right. Junior third baseman Aryn Rangel provided the power boost in the nightcap with her own two-run job to straight away center.
“[Leslie] hits a lot better than what’s on paper,” Hayes said. “Plus, she’s catching all these shutouts, which is the most important contribution she can make. She doesn’t get enough credit.”
Despite the two wins, Hayes feels that there is room for improvement.
“We should be putting people away,” Hayes said, bemoaning the lack of runs the Terriers have been knocking in.
Indeed, despite the commanding pitching, the Black Bears were never out of either game.
The Terriers struggled to score runs, but they did not struggle at the plate. BU showed it could hit Maine pitches, but it was often unable to come up with clutch hits that would have iced the games.
An encouraging note for the Terriers was the return of senior outfielder Kenya Palmer. Palmer is one of the team’s best hitters, and she showed that in her return, although it is clear that the ankle injury she suffered earlier in the season is still bothering her.
“Abby Pauley pulled her groin, so I put Kenya in for the first game,” Hayes said. “But she’s not 100 percent yet. She can’t go two games.”
It showed as Palmer, probably the Terriers’ fastest player, looked slowed by the injury when she was caught stealing after a single.
Not only do the two wins extend the Terriers’ winning streak to 13, they also extend their home winning streak to 11 games. BU has made good on its stated preseason goal to win all its home games this year, and they will look to continue this streak against Towson University this coming weekend.
Before they can do that, they have to face non-conference rivals Boston College on Thursday at Chestnut Hill.
It all bodes well for the Terriers in their home game success will translate into a successful trip up Commonwealth Avenue. Meanwhile, Hayes wants to see the fire still there when the Terriers play at the softball complex on Ashford Street.
“I think they feel good about themselves at home,” Hayes said. “We can’t get complacent though, especially with Towson coming up.”
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