By Adam Levine, Sports Editor
The Framingham State Rams returned from their 10-game Florida trip with a record of 5-5, playing five double-headers against teams from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Indiana.
Framingham’s pitcher, Ally Moran, helped secure a 7-1 victory over the Nichols College Bison March 12.
Moran allowed one run and struck out five of the 24 batters she faced in her six innings pitched.
“I like to force bad contact and have confidence in the defense behind me to make plays and get outs,” Moran said.
The Rams lost to the Clarkson University Golden Knights 8-2 after giving up six runs in the opening two innings and a two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning March 12.
Despite Framingham’s first baseman, Kelsey McGuill, hitting an RBI single to give the Rams a 1-0 lead, the Endicott College Gulls scored two runs in the bottom of the 5th inning to win 2-1 March 13.
The Ramapo College Roadrunners recorded nine hits and only struck out four times, which secured their 5-0 victory over the Rams March 13.
Framingham’s dominant batting propelled them to a 6-1 victory over the University of Minnesota Morris Cougars March 14.
The Rams combined for 14 total hits from eight of the 10 different players who had an at-bat. Framingham’s outfielder, Gwen Carpenter, recorded a hit during each of her four at-bats.
“I’m glad that I was able to contribute in some of those moments on the field to help us win games,” Carpenter said.
Framingham’s batting and pitching commanded a 14-4 victory over the Smith College Pioneers March 14.
Framingham’s Moran pitched for all seven innings, striking out seven batters and only letting up eight hits.
Framingham’s right fielder, Keely Scotia, hit a home run, followed by a three-run home run from McGuill later in the game.
The Rams and the Wesleyan University Cardinals each only recorded three hits in the Cardinals’ 1-0 win March 16.
Framingham passed the Roger Williams University Hawks with five walks in a 2-1 victory March 16.
Framingham’s pitcher, Rylynn Witek, pitched for all seven innings, recording three strikeouts and not walking any batters.
The Saint Mary’s College Belles recorded three home runs and seven other hits to catapult them to a 9-2 victory over the Rams March 17.
Framingham’s McGuill hit a home run in the top of the second inning, but Saint Mary’s consistent hitting secured their victory.
The Rams concluded their trip with a commanding 14-6 victory over the Carleton College Knights.
Framingham pieced together a 10-run third inning to help capture a victory over the Knights.
Carpenter said, “The conference will be tough again this year.
“Our team is eager to prove we belong and are looking forward to what this year will bring,” she added.
The Rams finished the 2021-22 season with an overall record of 23-19 and were the 2022 MASCAC Softball Tournament Champions.
Moran said, “The FSU community can look forward to another competitive, successful season.
“We’re hoping to bring home another championship for the Rams!” Moran added.
The Rams resume play when they travel to the Wentworth Institute of Technology for a double-header March 24.