By Emma Bynes
@emma_bynes4
Springfield College leaned on dominant pitching and timely, situational hitting to secure a 3–0 shutout victory over Keene State on April 7, controlling the game from start to finish. There was only one game today, as the Pride and Owls had previously faced off in Florida.
The Pride did not have an explosive offensive performance, instead capitalizing on key opportunities in a tightly contested matchup. Rather than relying on extra-base power, the Pride pieced together hits and took advantage of moments when Keene State faltered defensively, plating just enough runs to take control of the game.
Springfield’s lineup showed patience throughout, consistently putting pressure on the Owls’ pitching staff. Even in innings with no runs, both the Pride and the Owls forced deep counts and created traffic on the basepaths, preventing either starting pitcher from settling into a rhythm. The action was started by senior captain Taylor Falotico, who knocked a fielder’s choice to score Brynlee Eckels. Falotico later came around and scored on a wild pitch.
“It’s about placing the hits in spots that are productive for the team. Coach Sam [Garcia] called time and reminded me that you don’t have to do something bigger than yourself,” Falotico said. “It doesn’t have to be special, it just has to be on time.”
The story of the game, however, was Springfield’s performance in the circle. Amelia DeRosa delivered a composed and efficient outing, keeping Keene State off balance all afternoon — successfully following up her historic 19 strikeout performance. By limiting hard contact on a very windy day and working effectively around the strike zone, DeRosa held the Owls scoreless across all seven innings. Any threats Keene State attempted to build were quickly neutralized, as Springfield’s defense backed up its pitcher with clean, fundamental play. A highlight of this were a few solid catches from Eckels in left field, who normally starts in the infield at second base for the Pride.
“I just wanted to mix things up a little bit,” Garcia said about the unique lineup. “I want to give our freshmen some work behind the plate, especially as we get later into the season. I just wanted to get a different look and see some different things from everyone.”
Keene State had a handful of opportunities to shift momentum but was unable to come through in key moments. Whether it was runners left on base or an inability to string together consecutive hits, the Owls could not break through against Springfield’s pitching. The Pride’s ability to execute in high-leverage situations ultimately proved to be the difference in a low-scoring contest.
As the game moved into the later innings, Springfield remained in control. Julia Rimschnick entered the game in the sixth inning holding a narrow but steady lead. The Pride continued to focus on execution, avoiding unnecessary risks while maintaining pressure. Keene State’s final attempts to rally fell short, as Springfield closed out the game without allowing a run. Rimschnick came back from a rough start last week to control two innings of play with quick and efficient work.
“It was nice to see a bounce back for Julia,” Garcia said. “The last two innings coming in and pounding the zone. It was good work.”
In a game where every run mattered, the Pride combined efficient offense, dominant pitching, and steady defense to deliver a complete performance. Springfield plays twice over the weekend with doubleheaders at MIT and Wheaton, on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Photo by Emma Bynes/The Student