RACKETT'S DOUBLE GIVES MIDDLESEX A WALKOFF WIN ON OPENING DAY

Madison Rackett laced a one-out double in the bottom of the seventh inning, driving home Lead Kripaitis to give Middlesex College Softball their first win of the 2024 season in walk off fashion over SUNY Orange 3-2 in Game 2 of the opening day doubleheader.

Middlesex had carried a 2-1 lead from the first inning on before SUNY Orange tied the game in the top of the seventh. Summer Ramirez (Sophomore/South Brunswick, NJ) picked up the win in relief of Alice Melvin (Freshman/Milltown, NJ) who pitched the first 5.2 innings allowing just one earned run.

The Colts fell in Game 1, 8-6.

In their Game 2 victory, Middlesex fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first but answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning, one of which was driven home by Madison Szatkowski (Sophomore/Sayreville, NJ).

The score remained 2-1 until the top of the seventh when SUNY Orange tied the game on a two-out single. Middlesex answered right back though thanks for Rackett's heroics.

Middlesex had seven hits in the game with Szatkowski leading the way with a 2-3 effort. She scored a run and drove home a run as well.

In Game 1, Middlesex held a slim 4-3 lead going into the sixth inning when SUNY Orange broke through for five runs to take a 8-4 lead. Middlesex rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh and brought the tying run to the plate, but they fell just short.

Rackett pitched six innings in the circle and allowed eight runs, only five of which were earned.

Kaylin Nepton (Sophomore/Middlesex, NJ) led the way offensively for Middlesex. The catcher went 3-4 with three RBIs, a run scored and stolen base. Szatkowski went 2-4 with two runs and a double. Rackett also had two hits and an RBI for the Colts.

Middlesex returns to action on Tuesday when they take on Raritan Valley in a home doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30PM.