CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Excellent performances from four different pitchers in the circle propelled Harvard softball to a 5-0 victory against intrastate foe Merrimack at Soldiers Field, wrapping up Harvard's 2024 home schedule. The Crimson completed its sixth shutout this season, holding the Warriors to just three hits in seven innings.

First-Year infielder Sophie Sun made an immediate impact at the plate, blasting a solo home run for the opening run of the game. A four-time Ivy League Rookie of the Week this season, Sun also walked twice against Merrimack.

Took Care of Business ??

The Crimson shutout Merrimack to earn the midweek win! #GoCrimson pic.twitter.com/444cRWEvCE
— Harvard Softball (@HarvardSB) April 23, 2024
 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After a shutdown inning from senior pitcher Anna Reed in the circle, Sun crushed the first pitch she saw, putting Harvard (22-14, 12-6 Ivy League) ahead with a solo home run past the scoreboard in deep left field, 1-0. A native of Austin, Texas, Sun leads the Crimson in homers this season with seven.

The Crimson doubled its lead in the second inning. With two runners on first and second base, first-year catcher Alexa Wohr sent an RBI-single back up the middle of the Warriors' defense, scoring sophomore infielder Finley Payne from second base, 2-0.

THAT'S GONE ??

Sophie Sun puts Harvard ahead with a solo home run on the first pitch of her at-bat!

??1 | HARV 1 - MC 0

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??https://t.co/TWzdij8bS6#GoCrimson pic.twitter.com/d1osaPMHQ3
— Harvard Softball (@HarvardSB) April 23, 2024
 

Harvard kept the shutout going in the fourth inning as sophomore Riley Flynn took over in the circle in the fourth. With a runner on third base and two outs, Flynn found the inside corner of the strike zone, striking out the Merrimack (17-28, 11-7 Northeast Conference) batter to end the scoring chance.

In the sixth inning, the Crimson extended its lead, producing three runs in the frame.  A double steal forced a Merrimack throwing error, allowing junior designated player Priyanka Kaul to score, 3-0. With two outs and the bases loaded, junior outfielder and team captain Savannah Fitzpatrick lofted a two run RBI-single to shallow left field, 5-0.

Sophomore pitcher Ryan Grace finished the game in the circle, striking out three straight batters after surrendering a leadoff double to end the contest. The Crimson scored five runs on seven hits, holding the visitors to just three hits. Reed earned the win, holding Merrimack hitless and scoreless over the first three innings with four strikeouts.

Flynn ends the Merrimack scoring chance with a strikeout!

??4 | HARV 2 - MC 0

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??https://t.co/TWzdij8bS6#GoCrimson pic.twitter.com/kYZJfgrbUV
— Harvard Softball (@HarvardSB) April 23, 2024
 

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Crimson picked up its sixth shutout victory this season, as three different pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts.
• Sun logged her seventh home run this season in the first inning, as she leads the Crimson in homers this season.
• Fitzpatrick drove in two runs against the Warriors, marking her fifth game this season with multiple RBIs.
• Harvard is now 3-0 all-time against Merrimack on the softball field.

UP NEXT:

The Crimson close out the 2024 regular season this weekend, heading to Ithaca, N.Y. on Saturday, Apr. 27 and Sunday, Apr. 28 for an Ivy League series against Cornell. All three games from the Empire State will stream live on ESPN+.

For complete coverage of Harvard Softball, follow the team on Twitter (@HarvardSB) and Instagram (@harvardsb).