Softballl sweeps John Carroll in OAC opener

The Muskingum softball team swept John Carroll in their Ohio Athletic Conference opener on Sunday afternoon. The Muskies blasted three home runs en route to a 6-2 game one victory and won game two in thrilling fashion, 1-0.

 The Basics:

Records: Muskingum (14-4 Overall, 2-0 OAC), John Carroll (10-6 Overall, 0-2)

Location: Donna J. Newberry – New Concord

Notables

• The contest marked the OAC opener for both teams.

 How it Happened – Game 1

• Muskingum opened the scoring with a solo home run to left field from Claire Guilliams to take an early 1-0 in the first inning.
• The Muskies plated two more runs in the second, capitalizing off a Blue Streak throwing error and a ground out from Kaitlyn Bibb to take a 3-0 lead.
• John Carroll cut its deficit off two sacrifice flies to draw within one run in the fourth. 
• Muskingum added to their lead, this time off a two-run home run from Sarah Piteo. The Muskies led 5-2 after five innings of play.
• Muskingum plated their sixth and final run of the game in the sixth off a solo home run from Haley Hawk, to secure the 6-2 game one victory. 

 Inside the Numbers

• Muskingum plated six runs off seven hits.
• Senior Hannah Smith got the start in the circle for Muskingum giving up two hits and two runs. Smith pitched a complete game and fired eight strikeouts and improves to 9-0 on the year. 
• Senior Haley Hawk led the Muskingum offense going 2-for-3 at the plate notching a home run and one run scored.
• Seniors Sarah Piteo and Claire Guilliams both tallied a home run. Piteo finished with a run scored and two RBIs, while Guilliams had one run scored and an RBI.
• Junior Rosie Hayes and senior Carlee Lamacz ended with one hit apiece, while freshman Kaitlyn Bibb added an RBI to pace the Muskie bats.
• Kaylyn Odelli and Jess Lichota led the Blue Streak offense each chipping in an RBI.
• Danielle Orendi was dealt the loss in game one after allowing three runs off four hits.

How it Happened – Game 2

• After six scoreless innings, the Muskies plated the games lone run off a passed ball. The seventh inning rally was ignited by Sarah Piteo who led the inning off with a single to left field. A Blue Streak throwing error off to what looked to be a sacrifice bunt attempt placed Muskie runners in scoring position with no outs. 

Inside the Numbers

• Muskingum finished with one run off three hits.
• Junior Madelyn Thomas pitched phenomenal to secure her fifth win of the year. Thomas fired five strikeouts and only allowed one hit in the shutout victory. 
• Sarah Piteo finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
• Freshman Cara Taylor ended the contest with one hit.
• Maddie Traub led the John Carroll bats with one hit.
• Brianna Callow was dealt with her first loss of the season after throwing a complete game and allowed one run off three hits for the Blue Streaks.

 Up Next

• Muskingum hits the road on Tuesday, April 4, to take on Wilmington in OAC action. First-pitch is scheduled for 3PM at WC Softball complex.