There’s Something About Mary
Senior center fielder Mary Mintel had a perfect day at the plate, hitting for the the cycle as Swarthmore swept Widener, 1-0 and 3-2, in a Thursday afternoon double header at Clothier Fields.
Mintel was three for three at the plate for the Garnet in the first game, hitting a double and a pair of singles, driving in the eventual game-winning run in the top of the first.
Sophomore right-hander Marianne Klingaman (above) twirled a gem in that first game, throwing a complete game four-hitter, striking out two and walking two for her second win of the season.
Christina Procacci '06 drew a two-out walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch by Pioneer hurler Mallory Meyer. Procacci came home on a single to center by Mintel, giving Klingaman all the support she would need.
Meyer (2-3) suffered the loss for the Pioneers.
Klingaman got into trouble in the top of the second, as Widener loaded the bases on a error and a pair of walks. Klingaman worked got out of the jam with the shut-out intact, inducing third basemen Ashlee Hutchins to fly out to Mintel in deep centerfield.
The second game featured more fireworks from Mintel. The senior drove in the game's first run in the bottom of the first, plating Danielle Miller '06 with a double into the gap. Swarthmore extended their lead to 2-0 in the third when Mintel tripled, driving in Procacci, who reached base via one of her three walks on the day.
Mintel saved her best for last, driving a 1-1 pitch offering from Widener pitcher Mollie Ahern over the left field fence for a 3-0 Garnet lead. It was the fourth home run of the season for Mintel and the sixth of her career.
To recap, Mintel was a perfect six for six with two singles, two doubles, a triple, a home run, four RBIs, scored once, and stole two bases.
Anna DiBiase went the distance for Swarthmore (6-14) in game two, claiming her second win of the season while striking out five Pioneer batters. Jackie Ahern took the loss for Widener (3-12).
The Garnet resume their Centennial Conference schedule on Tuesday, April 5th when they travel north to Ursinus College for a 3:00 p.m. doubleheader.