Sports

Softball: Clippers beaten by mercy rule in Hampton Bays

Southold/Greenport second baseman Paige Messana awaits a throw as Hampton Bays' Meghan Harris slides into second base. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)
Southold/Greenport second baseman Paige Messana awaits a throw as Hampton Bays’ Meghan Harris slides into second base. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

BAYMEN 16, CLIPPERS 4 (5 INNINGS)

Softball is king at Hampton Bays High School, where both the tradition of winning and the talent pool are deep.

So, the result of Southold/Greenport’s game in Hampton Bays on Friday was hardly surprising. Leadoff hitter Mackenzie Taylor singled, tripled, doubled and walked, and Rebecca Harris drove in three runs as Hampton Bays rolled, 16-4, in five innings. The game was halted after 1 hour 16 minutes because of the mercy rule.

Hampton Bays improved to 11-5, 10-4 in Suffolk County League VI. Southold/Greenport lost its 11th straight game, dropping to 1-13, 1-13.

Seven Baymen totaled 12 hits. Harris, Katie Pirataggio and Jami Dipierdomenico delivered two hits each and Laura Zaweski belted a two-run single.

Emma Candelaria was given the starting pitching assignment in place of Hampton Bays’ regular starter, Marley Tyler. Candelaria gave up eight hits over four innings before Tyler was brought in to retire the side in order in the fifth, ending the game.

Sarah Tuthill and Toni Esposito each had a pair of hits and a stolen base for the Clippers. Tuthill knocked in two runs. Esposito had one run batted in, as did Stephanie Clark.

With dust flying everywhere from Hampton Bays’ dry, dirt infield, the Clippers took a brief lead on Tuthill’s two-run double in the first.

But Hampton Bays went in front, 4-2, in the bottom half of the inning, with the help of run-scoring singles by Rebecca Harris and Meghan Harris.

The Clippers drew even in the second when Clark and Esposito singled in runs. But that was all the scoring of the day for the Clippers, who were held to two hits over the final three innings.

The result was similar to the April 17 game between the teams in which Hampton Bays won, 14-3.

[email protected]