University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Bryant University
Stockley Cruises in 4-1 Win Over Bryant
4/24/2018 12:00:00 AM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. - Junior pitcher Jill Stockley shined in her complete-game outing on Tuesday afternoon, as the UConn softball team picked up its second-straight win in midweek action with a 4-1 victory over Bryant at Burrill Family Field.
Freshman infielder Briana Marcelino blasted a two-run homer in the first inning for the Huskies (18-30), giving them a permanent lead over the Bulldogs. It is the second consecutive win overall for UConn, coming off a 10-0 victory against Memphis on Saturday.
Three different players had multiple hits for UConn, including junior Kelli Bates - capitalizing on the momentum she picked up with her three-hit performance against the Tigers over the weekend. UConn improves to 11-1 all-time against the Bulldogs (12-26).
Briana Marcelino blasts it to left! #PhaseHow pic.twitter.com/IcX79Qt7ZX
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 24, 2018
"We had incredible pitching on the mound; Jill did a great job of hitting her spots and changing speeds," said head coach Jen McIntyre. "The offense broke it open early with Bri's home run, which was huge, and the defense was solid…all three parts were firing today."
No one fired better than Stockley (8-13), as she allowed just one run on two hits while striking out six in the complete-game win - her team-leading 12th complete game of the season.
The Huskies took an early 2-0 lead in the first after freshman Reese Guevarra, who went 2-for-4 in the lead-off spot, reached on an error and Marcelino drilled her third homer of the year over the left field fence. UConn extended the lead to 3-0 in the second after sophomore Kiwi McDaniel drove in Bates with a sacrifice fly.
Stockley pitched five scoreless frames to start the game on Tuesday, not allowing a run until the sixth. She stranded five runners for Bryant throughout the contest and retired the side in order in the third and fourth innings.
For Stockley, it is her second midweek win in the past seven days, as she picked up a seven-strikeout performance in a complete-game 2-1 win over Central Connecticut State last Wednesday in Storrs.
"For Jill to come in and take care of the region for us in the middle of the week, that's what we're looking to do," said McIntyre. "She's been doing a nice job."
McDaniel drove in UConn's fourth run of the day in the fourth inning, smacking a double to the left field fence that plated Marcelino from first base. It was the fifth multi-RBI game of the season for McDaniel, second-most on the team.
🎥 @keykssss on UConn's midweek win and how the Huskies can keep the ball rolling. pic.twitter.com/eVPQ6SdD7f
- UConn Softball (@UConnSoftball) April 24, 2018
Sophomore infielder Carli Cutler went 2-for-3 against the Bulldogs, while senior infielder Ryne Nakama chipped in a single for the hit column. The Huskies had nine hits on the day, improving to 13-4 this season when outhitting their opponent.
UConn returns to action on Wednesday when it travels to play UMass in Amherst, Mass. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET, but keep an eye on @UConnSoftball on Twitter and Facebook for weather-related updates.
