SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Sparked by a couple of multi-run innings across both games, Skidmore College defeated the Castleton University softball team – 4-2 and 5-3 – on Saturday afternoon.

With the losses, Castleton falls to 1-9 overall, while Skidmore improves to 11-7.

Skidmore 4, Castleton 2

The Spartans got out of the batter's box quickly in the top of the first led by Timi Carone's bunt single. After Devin Millerick replaced her on first via fielder's choice, Calli Van Gorden doubled into the right-center field gap, bringing the base runner around.

As the Spartans led 1-0 heading into the bottom half of the opening frame, the Thoroughbreds answered right back. With two outs, back-to-back doubles scored two to give Skidmore the lead.

Staying within range over the next few innings, Skidmore used a two-run fifth to essentially put the game away as Castleton was unable to come back.

In the sixth, the Spartans put runners on first and third with just one away but were only able to come away with one.

Taylor Paquette dropped her sixth decision of the season after allowing three earned over six innings. The senior sports a 4.10 ERA through the first 10 games.

Skidmore 5, Castleton 3

Four runs in the bottom of the third were enough to down the Spartans as the visiting team was only able to score three times in the second game.

Skidmore got started with a double and used three more hits to put up a four-spot in the inning.

Castleton's scoring occurred in the fifth and sixth innings. In the former, the Spartans took advantage of an error. McKinlie Carpenter reached first after a blunder by the right fielder before moving to second. Following a pitching change, Carone hit an RBI base knock to score Carpenter.

In the sixth, Tori Swaine smacked her third homer of the season and drove in her 10th RBI. After Sara Baker led off with a single through the left side, Swaine cracked the ball over the left-field fence bringing the Spartans within two.

Baker (11) and Swaine (13) continue to lead Castleton as they currently have more than one-third (24-of-69) of the team's total hits. The duo is batting .379 and .464, respectively.

In the circle, Rachael McCormick was tagged with the loss (0-3) as she allowed four runs over four innings of work. 

Softball is scheduled to return to action at 3 p.m. on Tuesday for its home and league action opener against New England College. Stay tuned to @CastletonSports on Twitter for any schedule changes due to inclement weather.

@CastletonSports | IG: castletonsports | FB: Castleton University Athletics