Florida Tech pitcher McKenzie Krutsinger allowed just one unearned run, helping the Panthers earn a 2-1 victory over the Lynn Fighting Knights in the Friday finale of the 2018 Florida Tech Softball Classic.
After a 3-1 loss to St. Mary’s to start the day, Florida Tech bounced back in game two, scoring single runs in the third and fourth inning. Krutsinger made it stand up, scattering seven hits over seven innings. She walked one and struck out one, throwing 56 of her 86 pitches for strikes.
The Panthers (5-5) looked poised to strike first in the second inning when Vanessa Rubio led off with a double and was sacrificed to third when Alexus Smith laid down a bunt. One out later, Shaynsse Emerenciana walked and later stole second. Xiarysse Emerenciana followed with a walk of her own, loading the bases. Unfortunately for FIT, Mikayla Wessel scorched a liner to second that was caught by Karolina Flores, ending the inning.
Florida Tech would not miss their opportunity in the third. Ally Carver led off the inning with a triple to left on the first pitch thrown by Lynn hurler Allyson Jameston in the inning. Jessica Callahan then grounded a 1-2 pitch to second, allowing Carver to scamper home with the first run. Carver went 2-for-3 in the game to lead the team. The Panthers had five hits in all.
Lynn (6-4) would load the bases with two outs in the top of the fourth on an Elizabeth Diaz double, an infield single by Victoria Rios and a walk to Erin Sundook. Krutsinger would get out of it when she got Mackenzie Wyatt to ground harmlessly back to the circle and threw her out at first.
Rachel Kraak got things started in the bottom of the inning with a one-out single. She promptly stole second and went to third on a groundout by Shaynsse Emerenciana. Xiarysse Emerenciana then grounded to third, but the first baseman couldn’t handle the throw and Kraak scored on the error, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
It looked like Krutsinger was poised for the shutout but after Getting Sundook to ground out, Wyatt reached on an error by Shanysse Emerenciana at short. After getting Caitlin Rolston out, Krutsinger gave up a double to Francais Olexa. That got Lynn on the board, 2-1. Shayle Arneson came up with the tying run at second, but Krutsinger got her to ground out to Xiarysse Emerenciana at second, ending the game and giving the Panthers a split on day one of the tournament.
For more info: Lynn @ Florida Tech Box Score
Florida Tech is right back at it tomorrow, on day two of the tournament. They will be facing St. Mary’s at 10:00 a.m. and Flagler College at 3:00 p.m.