A Pair of Home Runs Power Pirates Past Rutgers

Tuesday, March 4

South Orange, N.J.

4:30 PM

Seton Hall University

6-9

Rutgers

8-14

RUTGERS

Seton Hall

3/4/2025 10:15:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Powered by back-to-back home runs from Kelsey Carr and Hannah Alexander, the Pirates (6-9) claimed victory in the Pirates' home opener over Rutgers, 4-2.

How It Happened
The Pirates found themselves down early as a leadoff triple by Rutgers lead to a 1-0 Scarlet Knights lead in the top of the first inning. In the bottom half of the inning, however, the Pirates quickly responded in this North Jersey clash. Olivia Gilbert, fresh off her 10 RBI weekend in Virginia, singled to drive in Katey Brennan and tie the game at 1-1.

Both sides traded scoreless second frames before each team's respective offense propelled each other forward. Rutgers converted another leadoff extra-base hit into a run to go back in front 2-1. To end the inning, Angelina Benitez raced to catch a deep fly ball to center field. After her catch, she relayed the ball back to first base to double-up the Scarlet Knights runner.

After Taylor Hill collected a leadoff walk to open the inning, two-way star Kelsey Carr came to the plate. Carr leapt at one of the first pitches, launching the ball over the center field wall to put the Pirates up 4-3. In the next Pirate at-bat, Hannah Alexander immediately mashed a ball over the outfield fence as well to put the Pirates up 4-2.

After allowing two runs in the first three innings, Carr would cruise through the next two innings on the mound before giving way to Kyra Kreuscher to close out the game. While Rutgers continued to hold the Pirates offense at bay, Kreuscher cruised along as well. She entered the seventh inning with a chance to collect her first save on the season. Despite allowing two baserunners, Kreuscher allowed none of them to score. A ground out to Caroline Hobbes ended the game, handing the Pirates a 4-2 victory.

News & Notes

With the win, head coach Angie Churchill moves to 2-2 in home openers with the Pirates.
Carr recorded her sixth win and fifth home run of the season
- It was also her 30^th career home run and her 27^th career multi-RBI game.
Kreuscher collected her fourth career save.
Alexander recorded her fifth career home run.
- It was also her seventh-consecutive game with a hit.

What's Next
The Pirates open BIG EAST play on Friday, March 7, when they begin a three-game series versus Georgetown at Essex County Mike Sheppard Sr. Field. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.