Providence, R.I.—Sophomore left fielder Melanie Earley (Lumberton, N.J.) smacked a pinch hit two-run homer to lead Rhode Island College past Johnson and Wales, 4-2, in game one of a doubleheader played at the Dayna A. Bazar Softball Complex on Thursday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 4, Johnson and Wales 2
Rhode Island College (7-4)
Johnson and Wales (3-8)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchorwomen scored in the second inning on senior left fielder Abby Clesas' (Johnston, R.I.) RBI ground out.
 
• After JWU tied the game in the top of the third, junior second baseman Noelle Simmons (Goffstown, N.H.) put the hosts back on top with an RBI sacrifice fly.
 
• Earley pinch hit in the bottom of the fourth and homered over the left field fence to give RIC a 4-1 advantage.
 
• Senior pitcher Abby Kidd (Granby, Conn.) secured her fourth win (4-1), allowing one earned run on seven hits to go along with three strikeouts.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play game two of its doubleheader with Johnson and Wales on Thursday, March 20 (6 p.m.).