Softball drops OAC doubleheader against Ohio Northern

The Muskingum softball team dropped its doubleheader at Ohio Northern on Friday afternoon in Ohio Athletic Conference action. The Polars Bears won the opener 3-2 and claimed the nightcap, 4-2.

The Basics

Records: Muskingum (17-7 Overall, 4-2 OAC), Ohio Northern (12-10 Overall, 3-3 OAC)

Location: ONU Softball Field – Ada, Ohio

 How it Happened – Game 1

• In the opening inning, Muskingum plated the first run of the game off a fielder's choice from Cara Taylor, jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead.
• Ohio Northern knotted the score at one apiece off an RBI single up the middle.
• The Polars Bears extended their lead 3-1 in the fourth off a two-run home run.
• Two Ohio Northern errors drew the Muskies within one run in the seventh. With two-outs and a runner on first, a single to left field from Kaitlyn Bibb looked to ignite a Muskie rally, but the Muskie base runner got thrown out trying to advance to third to end the game. The Polar Bears secured the 3-2 victory. 

Inside the Numbers – Game 1

• Muskingum scored two runs off five hits.
• Senior Hannah Smith suffered her first loss of the season after firing 4.0 innings of work and surrendered three runs off three hits. Smith also tallied four strikeouts.
• Freshman Kaitlyn Bibb led the Muskies at the dish going 2-for-2 and drew a walk.
• Freshman Taylor Stemmerding, junior Kalie Eshelman, and senior Carlee Lamacz each ended the contest with one hit apiece. Eshelman also finished with a stolen base.
• Ohio Northern was led by Allie Wilson who smacked a home run and tallied two RBIs.

 How it Happened – Game 2

• With two outs, the Polar Bears used back-to-back singles to set up a two-run RBI double to left center to take an early, 2-0 lead in the first. 
• The Muskies used a two-run, three-hit, fourth inning to even the contest at two apiece. Cara Taylor smacked an RBI double to left field, while Taylor Gallentine hit an RBI single to left field.
• Ohio Northern went on to plate the final two runs of the game in the fourth off a two-run RBI double to right field, to claim the 4-2 game two win. 

Inside the Numbers – Game 2

• Muskingum scored two runs off six hits and left seven on base.
• Junior Madelyn Thomas pitched 3.1 innings for the Muskies allowing four runs off nine hits and tallied three strikeouts.
• Hannah Smith tossed 2.2 innings of work allowing one hit and threw three strikeouts. 
• Senior Taylor Gallentine led the Muskies at the plate finishing 2-for-2 and an RBI.
• Freshman Cara Taylor added one hit and an RBI.
• Haley Hawk, Carlee Lamacz, and senior Sarah Piteo ended the outing with one hit.
• The Polar Bear offense was led by Callie Rosser who recorded two hits and two RBIs.

Up Next

• Muskingum is back in action on Wednesday, April 12, when they host Capital at Donna J. Newberry Field. First-pitch for game one is scheduled for 3PM.