FAIRFIELD, Conn. – For the second consecutive day, the softball was flying around Alumni Softball Field. The Fairfield University softball team registered nine hits in today' 6-4 win over Sacred Heart University, the third straight game in which the Stags collected at least nine hits in a game. The Stags also finished up its six-game home stand with a 5-1 record, a good foundation as they head to Saint Peter's University this weekend.

Fairfield rallied twice in this game, overcoming a 2-0 deficit early and breaking a 4-4 tie in the sixth inning to break through with the victory. Six different Stags picked up a hit in this contest including a pair of hits from Megan Forbes, Charli Warren, and Anna Paravati. And while the offense clicked, the staff combined for another multi-pitcher outing that resulted in a win. Bailey Taylor earned the win after coming into the game in third inning while Alyssa Weinberg secured her second save of the year.

Sacred Heart touched up starting pitcher Allie Bridgman for three straight two-out hits in the first inning to secure a 1-0 lead. A misplayed fly ball set up an unearned run in the third inning that allowed the Pioneers to double their lead, chasing Bridgman and bringing in Taylor.

The Stags found a little two-out magic of their own in the bottom of the third after Madison Robicheau stroked a single up the middle and Warren beat out a grounder for an infield hit. Morgan Sylvestre advanced both runners with a bunt, setting up Delaney Whieldon's two-run single that tied the game. Kaitlin Hoffman sent Whieldon to second base with a single which Anna Paravati turned into the team's third run with her own base hit.

Warren and Sylvestre combined for another run in the fifth inning, a rally which started with the former beating the outfield with a gapper to left center that placed Warren on third with one out. Sylvestre strategically placed a grounder to the second-base hole which was fielded but the only play was at first, scoring Warren with the team's fourth run.

Sacred Heart tied the score in the top of the sixth inning courtesy of a lead off walk and a two-run homer from Emily Carroll on the first pitch she saw during the at-bat. But once again, the Stags found a way to respond when Paravati laced a single and yielded to pinch runner Ella Watson. Megan Forbes drilled a double down the left field line that went all the way to fence, chasing Watson around the bases for the tie-breaking run. Forbes moved up to third on the throw home and crossed the plate when the throw to third was kicked away from any Sacred Heart fielder.

"That was one of the better offensive days that we had just because we hit the ball hard," Coach Brzezinski said. "We've been hitting pop ups and dribblers but even our outs were hit hard today. I am hoping today's performance will help us turn the tide offensively a little bit more."

With a two-run lead in hand, Head Coach Julie Brzezinski called in Weinberg for the final three outs. The rookie, fresh off her 15-strikeout performance yesterday, retired all three batters she faced by inducing three fly balls which ended the game.

Taylor evened up her record at 1-1 with her four-inning performance, the longest of the season for the left hander. She struck out six batters and surrendered just two hits and did not walk a hitter until her final inning of work.

"We need Bailey moving forward especially with seven games coming up," Coach Brzezinski said. "She came in and gave us what we needed today. Even after they scored two runs, she really responded by getting the three outs to finish the inning."

Fairfield returns to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this weekend with a twin bill at Saint Peter's University, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The Stags finish the regular-season campaign with five home games next week including MAAC doubleheaders with Siena and Marist.