As cheers erupted from the dugout, Westfield earned the first run of the game, creating undeniable tension between the two benches. Although the Blue Devils had early success, they were unable to maintain it as Jonathan Dayton shut down Westfield, 11-1, ending the game midway through the fifth inning due to the mercy ruling.
Westfield attained an early lead on an RBI by sophomore Alex Laguna, creating an opportunity for junior Erin Doherty to run home, putting the Blue Devils up 1-0. The score changed almost instantaneously as the Bulldogs were able to capitalize on Westfield errors, resulting in a 3-1 lead for Dayton.
The game continued as the Bulldogs put up a powerful defense, denying the Blue Devils a pathway to first base as they struck out during every at-bat in the second and third inning. With Westfield quickly losing momentum, Dayton developed a new attitude knowing there could be a possible win in its future as it increased the score to 4-1.
With Dayton winning by 3 runs, Laguna stepped up to the plate and hit a double, hoping the next person at bat could bring her home. Unable to get Laguna to the final base, the Blue Devils struck out, not making a single dent in the score.
Coach Caitlin Cheddar explained that “our at-bats were a little defensive, and we were not going into the box with the best approach. We need to make adjustments faster because this is not what we are capable of.”
To start the bottom of the fourth, Dayton walked to first, but instantly was called out on a failed steal. This Bulldog mistake only seemed to encourage their spirits as their next runner made it home after an obstruction by Westfield catcher Annie Reilly, increasing the Bulldog lead to 5-1.
As the fourth inning continued, Dayton added 6 more runs to the scoresheet off many errors, with Westfield trying to maintain a solid structure in order to hopefully make a comeback.
The Blue Devils were unable to achieve victory as they walked off the field with a 11-1 loss. Senior Rachel Witzel said, “From the very beginning we were very flat, especially in warmups. For the rest of the season we have to break out of that early and play the game to the best of our ability.”
With a record of 8-11, Westfield looks to increase it at its next matchup, away on Friday, against Morristown for the first time this season.
