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05/18/2011 12:00 AMThe Old Saybrook softball team defeated Westbrook 6-0 on May 11, winning their eighth game of the season and officially clinching a state tournament berth. The Rams won the contest based on their timely hitting and effective pitching.
After a scoreless top of the first for Westbrook (1-14), Old Saybrook (8-6) took control when freshman Effie Gianitsos-who went 2-for-3 with two runs scored-led off with a single and proceeded to steal two bases that eventually led to her plating the team's first run. The next two batters were retired before senior co-captain Kasey Commander walked. Senior Danielle Gibbs entered the game as a pinch runner, which set the stage for sophomore Kelsey Root to line a clutch two-out single, scoring Gibbs and giving the Rams a 2-0 lead.
The second inning was also productive for the Rams, as senior co-captain Alex Interlandi led off with a walk and then stole second base. A double by Gianitsos brought Interlandi home with the third run of the game and the quick freshman stole third on her way to scoring her second run in as many innings. After two innings, Old Saybrook had built a 4-0 lead.
Westbrook threatened to get back in the game in the top of the fourth after a Jordan Shamas hit, followed by Kara Riggio, who reached base on a hit-by-pitch. Despite the early trouble, Rams pitcher Commander was able to compose herself and retire the next three Knights batters to escape the jam. Old Saybrook added on two more insurance runs to support Commander in the bottom of the fourth and held onto a 6-0 lead.
Despite allowing four runs in the first two innings, Westbrook sophomore pitcher Kaitlin MacMillan settled down for the rest of her outing, only giving up two runs in her complete game.
"She's getting stronger every game we play," said Westbrook Coach Caitlin Eichler on her pitcher's performance. "She just needs to remain focused and pitch hard for every single pitch."
Old Saybrook Coach Laura Westner was pleased with her team's solid effort.
"Our defense played very well. We scored enough runs and played well," she said. "[Kasey] hit her spots and went right after the batters. She struck out a lot and had control of the game. I felt she had a lot of confidence out there."
Saybrook's Commander was dominant in her complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits and striking out 13 batters. Although the Rams locked up a tournament berth, they aren't completely satisfied with their season and are looking to improve their record to earn a high seed in the state tournament.