World Series Game Two: Pats pound Bears, 4-2

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Thanks to three solo home runs and a bizarre game-ending play, the Patriots won its first World Series game ever Saturday, 4-2, against Ohio Northern University Polar Bears. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Ohio Northern had the bases loaded with two outs and the tying run on second base.

Polar Bears’ Danielle Goubeaux, the team’s only senior, came up and did exactly what is expected of a leader: get a clutch base hit. Goubeaux hit what appeared to be a sharp single to the outfield that might tie the game. However, Polar Bears’ Tina Mangola, who was running from first to second base, was hit in the leg and that was the end of the game.

To lead off the game in the top of the first, senior Megan “Roo” Richardson hit the third pitch of the game to right field for the early 1-0 lead. In the second inning, Kate Bell hit a solo home run to the exact same spot as Richardson’s went. Stacy Shepherd started the game for the Patriots and gave up one run in four innings of work. Up 2-1, the Patriots added some key insurance runs in the top of the sixth.

Whitney Wyly led off the inning with a solo home run to right field before Amanda Busby knocked in Stacy Dominique to give the Patriots the 4-1 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Ohio Northern began their comeback that eventually fell short, thanks to the bizarre play to end the game.

Ohio Northern ends their best season ever in program history with a record of 39-6 while the Patriots improve to 39-9. The Patriots continue play Sunday at 2:30 EST against the loser of Saturday night’s game between Tufts University and Coe College. If the Patriots win Sunday afternoon, they must play again at 7:30 EST with the opponent to be determined.