WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Junior pitcher Demi Laney fired a four-hit shutout and freshman designated hitter Tiffany McIntosh hit a two-run home run, leading Binghamton (20-11, 9-1 AE) to a 3-0 win over Hartford (15-25, 4-6 AE) in the opening game of an America East weekend series between the two teams. The win is the Bearcats' ninth straight against conference competition and clinches their fourth straight 20-win season.

Laney, who has now won her past five starts, struck out a season-high 10 batters in improving her record to 9-5 for the season. She now has five solo shutouts this season and seven for her career.

McIntosh, meanwhile, hit her fourth home run of the season with the Bearcats up 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning. Junior second baseman Jessica Bump started off the inning with a walk but was caught stealing one batter later. Freshman outfielder Sydney Harbaugh followed with a single, setting the stage for McIntosh's decisive blast.

Junior third baseman Mikala King put the Bearcats on the board when she scored on a fielding error in the top of the third inning. She also started a key double play in the bottom of the sixth inning to get the Bearcats out of a bases-loaded jam.

Zuzana Kudernatschova took the loss for Hartford despite holding the Bearcats to just four hits. Her record falls to 8-11.

"I thought the team did a good job of staying composed and made some adjustments later on in the game," head coach Michelle Burrell said. "Demi did a great job on the mound and Tiffany came up with a clutch hit.

Binghamton and Hartford will conclude their series with an 11 a.m. doubleheader on Sunday.