Girls Softball Team Defeats Ridgefield 2-1

Jackie Ferraiolo stroked a 2-run double in the bottom of the third inning and that’s all the Amity softball team needed to defeat 24th ranked Ridgefield 2-1 in the first round of the CIAC Class LL tournament Tuesday afternoon in Woodbridge.

Trailing 1-0 after 2 outfield errors gave the Tigers an unearned run in the top of the first inning, Amity answered back in the bottom of the third. After Alyssa Mirmina and C.J. Simones stroked back-to-back base hits, Emily Fox’s sacrifice bunt moved both runners into scoring position. Ferraiolo followed by stroking a line drive past third base and down into the left field corner. Ferraiolo’s second double of the day drove in both teammates and gave Amity a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the first inning Ferraiolo had laced a 2-bagger and Taylor Baker walked but both runners were left stranded on base.

Corina Zdrowski did not allow an earned run`and cruised easily through the first 5 innings. In the top of the sixth, Ridgefield (9-12)  put runners on second and third with 1 out. At that point Coach Bob Purcell chose to bring Baker in to replace Zdrowski. She proceeded to whiff the next 2 Tiger batters and preserve Zdrowski’s lead. Baker earned a save as she struck out 3 batters and did not allow a hit during her 1 1/3 innings in the circle.  `Zdrowski got the win by scattering 6 Tiger hits.

Purcell said, “Taylor came in and slammed the door on Ridgefield. She left the potential tying and winning runs on base. Corina is more of a control pitcher who moves the ball around and hits her sports. Taylor throws harder. I though the change in pitching style would be a smart move in the sixth inning. I told Taylor I didn’t think Ridgefield could catch up with her high fastballs.  She did a great job coming to pitch at a key spot in the game.”

Amity catcher Jennifer Post threw out 2 Tiger base runners trying to steal second base. Purcell also lauded the efforts of senior third baseman Jen Hoffer, whom he felt made 2 superb defensive stops that preserved the Lady Spartan victory. 

With the victory, the 9th ranked Lady Spartans improved their record to 16-6. They now face  8th-ranked Danbury later today in the Hat City. The 17-5 Hatters are coming off a 3-0 victory over Greenwich.