Offensive Power Elevates Softball to OAC Doubleheader Victory

The Muskingum softball team grabbed early leads in each of its games and erupted for 24 hits on the day en route to an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader sweep against Wilmington. Muskingum won the opener 12-4, and claimed the nightcap in five innings 5-2, before the game was called due to darkness.

The Basics

Records: Muskingum (16-4 Overall, 4-0 OAC), Wilmington (10-10 Overall, 0-4 OAC)

Location: WC Softball Complex – Wilmington, Ohio

How it Happened – Game 1

• Muskingum used a two-hit, three-run, opening inning to take an early, 3-0 lead. A Kalie Eshelman triple down the right field line plated the first run of the game, while a two-run RBI single to center field from Cara Taylor made it, 3-0. 
• With two outs, Wilmington looked to threaten in the bottom of the first with a bases loaded opportunity. The Quakers were unable to capitalize as the third and final out of the inning resulted in a ground out to Muskie pitcher, Hannah Smith. 
• Muskingum continued their early offensive rally, this time in the second inning notching five runs off four hits. The Muskies loaded the bases with no outs and added its fourth run of the game off an RBI single up the middle from Claire Guilliams. Taylor Stemmerding delivered a two-run RBI single up the middle to plate the Muskies' sixth run, while an Eshelman sacrifice fly to right field plated the seventh run.  A single up the middle from Cara Taylor went on to be the final tally of the inning, stretching the Muskie lead, 8-0.
• The bottom of the third saw Wilmington load up the bases again with two outs. A single and an error by the Muskingum defense saw Wilmington score two runs, trimming the Muskie lead, 8-2.
• Wilmington cut its deficit in half, 8-4 in fourth off a fielder's choice and an RBI single up the middle.
• With the bases loaded and two outs, an Eshelman two run RBI double to right center brought two runners in making it, 10-4 Muskies.
• The bottom of the fifth saw Wilmington load the bases up with no outs, but clutch pitching and defensive stops from Muskingum shut down the Quaker rally. 
• A Haley Hawk home run to left field and a Guilliams RBI single to right center went on to be the final runs of the game as Muskingum secured a, 12-4 victory. 

Inside the Numbers – Game 1

• Muskingum plated 12 runs off 14 hits and left nine runners on base.
• Wilmington plated four runs off seven hits and left 11 runners on base. 
•  Senior Hannah Smith fired two strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work and gave up seven hits. With the win in the circle, Smith moved to an outstanding 10-0 record on the year. 
• The Muskies were led at the plate by senior Claire Guilliams who finished with four hits, three runs scored and two RBI.
• Freshman Cara Taylor finished 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI.
• Junior Kalie Eshelman finished with two hits, four RBI, and a run scored while freshman Taylor Stemmerding tallied a hit and two RBIs, and two runs scored as well.
• Senior Haley Hawk added a home run.
• Senior Sarah Piteo drew four walks and added one run scored as well.
• Wilimington was led by Samantha Schwab who finished with two hits and an RBI.

How it Happened – Game 2

• Muskingum jumped out to an early, 1-0 lead off an Eshelman RBI single up the middle.
• The Muskies used a three-run, three-hit second inning to pull ahead 4-0. Stemmerding smacked a two-run RBI double to right field and then went on to steal home. 
• Wilmington strung together back-to-back-to-back singles in the third to plate their first run of the game and found themselves again in a bases loaded situation. The Quakers were unable to take advantage of the opportunity as a pop out and swinging strikeout spoiled the Wilmington rally.
• Muskingum made it 5-1 in the fourth off an RBI double to left center from Sarah Piteo.
• Wilmington scored their final run of the game off a wild pitch but it wouldn't be enough as Muskingum earned the 5-2 victory.

Inside the Numbers – Game 2

• Muskingum scored five runs off 10 hits.
• Junior Madelyn Thomas tossed 5.0 innings of work and struck out three to improve to 6-2 on the season.
• At the dish, the Muskies were led by Kalie Eshelman who was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
• Sarah Piteo also chipped in two hits and an RBI, while senior Taylor Gallentine finished with two hits and a run scored.
• Taylor Stemmerding tallied a hit and two RBIs, and a run scored, while Haley Hawk, Claire Guilliams and Cara Taylor ended with one hit apiece. Guilliams also finished with three runs scored.
• Lindsey Carter led Wilmington with two hits.

Up Next

Muskingum is back in action on Thursday, April 6, when they travel to take on 3rd-ranked Trine. Game one of the non-conference doubleheader is set for a 3PM start at SportONE/Parkview Softball Field, in Angola, Ind.