TOWSON, Md. - The Tigers used some clutch hits to record a 7-3 come from behind win over Delaware in their final home game on Sunday afternoon. Stef Streets broke the school's career RBI mark with her home run that started the comeback for the Tigers (33-18, 10-8 CAA).
"I thought we got some clutch hits to get the offense going today," said Coach Lisa Costello. "I also thought Shannon Johnston came through in a big way for us in relief."
The Tigers found themselves in an early hole in the game. Gina Knuston and Cecile Egan hit solo home runs in the third and fourth innings respectively to give Delaware a 2-0 lead.
The Tigers began their comeback in the fourth. Mindy Bean had a one-out single to centerfield to start the Tigers' rally. Streets followed with a laser home run over the right field fence. It was Streets' team leading sixth home run of the season and 23rd of her career. It also gave her 115 career RBIs, breaking Aimee Rosa's school record of 114 RBIs in a career.
"I'm thrilled to get a win in my final home game," said Streets. "It's nice to get the mark but it wasn't in the front of my mind, the win was."
Towson took the lead in the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Andrea Stevenson drew a one-out walk and Delaware made a pitching change. Rachel Miller greeted the new pitcher with a single to center. The Blue Hens got the second out of the inning but a wild pitch moved each of the runners up a base. Sammi DiPompo then delivered a two run single centerfield.
The Tigers would tack on three more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Stevenson had an RBI triple to right center to score Erika Stasch, who had reached on a double. Miller followed with an RBI single and would score later in the frame on a wild pitch.
Delaware would get one final run in the top of the seventh. Knuston was hit by a pitch leading off and moved to third on a pair of groundouts. She would score the final run of the game as Michelle Grap reached on a Tiger error.
Johnston earned the win in relief for the Tigers. She allowed one unearned run on three hits in 3.2 innings of work. She struck out three and did not walk a batter. Katie Lingmai started for the Tigers and gave up two runs on six hits in 3.1 innings. She struck out six and did not walk anyone. Amanda Stacevicz took the loss after giving up three runs on five hits in five innings. Anne Marie Pagano and Alexa Baldasare combined to give up four runs in the other inning.
Miller, Bean and DiPompo all finished with two hits apiece for the Tigers. Miller had two runs scored and an RBI while DiPompo had two RBIs and Bean had a run scored. Streets had one hits, two RBIs and a run scored while Stevenson had one hit, two runs scored and an RBI. Egan and Jenny Richards had two hits apiece for the Blue Hens.
Towson closes out the regular season when it visits Georgia State next weekend. The Tigers, who will be looking for a berth in the upcoming CAA Tournament, will play a doubleheader on Friday, May 7 at noon and a single game on Saturday, May 8 at noon.
-- TIGERS --
