Softball Splits Doubleheader Against Binghamton
The Maine Black Bears’ softball split a doubleheader with the Binghamton Bearcats’ softball on April 18 at the Labat Softball Complex, falling 8-6 in game one before rallying for a 4-3 win in game two.
Maine came out strong in the opener, jumping ahead early with a big first inning. Third-year outfielder Keira Inman highlighted the frame with a grand slam to left center, driving in four runs and giving the Black Bears an early 4-0 lead.
Binghamton responded in the third inning, cutting into the deficit with a three-run home run from third-year infielder Elisa Allen. The Bearcats tied the game in the fourth and then pulled ahead in the fifth, using a pair of home runs to build an 8-4 advantage.
Despite falling behind, Maine continued to battle. The Black Bears answered in the fifth inning when second-year first baseman Kaelyn Larkin hit a two-run home run, trimming the deficit to 8-6. However, Maine was unable to generate additional offense over the final two innings, as Binghamton held on to secure the win.
Offensively, Maine recorded seven hits in game one, with Inman leading the way with four RBIs. Larkin added two hits and two RBIs, while third-year catcher Neve Adams also contributed multiple hits.
In game two, Maine responded with a comeback victory, overcoming an early deficit to earn a 4-3 win. Binghamton once again struck first, scoring three runs in the opening inning to take control early.
The Black Bears chipped away at the lead, beginning in the second inning when third-year first baseman Madison Hand hit a solo home run to put Maine on the board.
Maine continued to apply pressure and broke through in the sixth inning. The Black Bears scored twice in the frame, capitalizing on patience at the plate as both Larkin and Adams drew bases-loaded walks to bring the game even at 3-3.
The decisive moment came in the seventh inning, when fourth-year outfielder Maggie Helms reached base, and an error allowed the go-ahead run to score, giving Maine a 4-3 lead.
In the circle, fourth-year pitcher Alysen Rieth earned the win in relief, closing out the final inning to secure the victory. Maine’s pitching staff combined to limit Binghamton’s offense after the first inning, holding the Bearcats scoreless over the final six frames.
The Black Bears’ outfield played a key role late in the game, making key plays to preserve the narrow lead.
The split highlights Maine’s resilience, as the team responded to a tough loss in game one with a composed and determined performance in the second game. The combination of timely hitting and improved pitching proved to be the difference in the comeback win.
The doubleheader showcased Maine’s ability to generate offense early and respond under pressure, particularly in game two, where the team remained composed despite trailing after the first inning. The performance also highlighted contributions throughout the lineup, with multiple players stepping up in key moments across both games.
With the result, Maine moves to 11-28 on the season and will look to carry momentum from the game two victory into its upcoming matchups.
