Eagles Notch Walk-Off Win

Box Score

YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Eastern Michigan University softball team swept the weekend series from Ohio University, defeating the Bobcats, 3-2, here Sunday, April 20 at Varsity Field. Senior Jessica Grant (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Forest Hills Northern) hit a walk-off RBI double in the seventh inning to give the Eagles their third consecutive Mid-American Conference win, boosting their record to 12-23 (4-6 MAC).

The Eagles led 1-0 entering the seventh inning, but the Bobcats would rally, scoring two runs to take a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the seventh. With the heart of the line-up due up, the Eagles did not disappoint, scoring two runs to record the dramatic 3-2 victory on Senior Day.

Freshman Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy’s Priory) pitched 6.1 innings, not earning a decision on the afternoon. Caro allowed 11 hits, but only gave up two runs. She also struck out two. Freshman Kari Chambers (Woodstock, Ga.-Woodstock) came on in relief to get the final two outs in the seventh inning, allowing a hit and a walk. The Bobcats scored their two runs off the hit allowed by Chambers, but Caro was responsible for the runners on base, giving the decision to Chambers (4-11).

The Eagles totaled 11 hits on the afternoon, compared to 12 for OU. Three Eagles had multi-hit games, led by sophomore Jenny Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe), who was 3-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI on the day. She hit the 20th home run of her career in the seventh inning, knotting the game at 2-2. She is now in sole possession of second place on the all-time list. Senior Ashley Strauss (Trenton, Mich.-Trenton) was 2-for-3 with an RBI, scoring the winning run off Grant’s double in the bottom of the seventh.

EMU got on the board first, scoring in the bottom of the third. Scherer and freshman Lauren Delapaz (Plymouth, Mich.-Canton) had back-to-back singles, bringing up Strauss. She delivered, hitting a sacrifice fly to left field, giving the Eagles the 1-0 advantage.

Both teams would tighten up defensively, not allowing any scoring until the seventh inning. The Bobcats had consecutive singles, putting runners on first and second. Head coach Karen Baird made then made a pitching change, bring Chambers in for Caro. Chambers walked the first batter, loading the bases. Freshman shortstop Stacie Skodinski (South Bend, Ind.-Washington) then handled a ground ball, throwing the runner out at home to give the Eagles two outs. Maureen McKelvey then singled to right field, plating two runs for the visitors. Candice Saucedo then grounded out to end the inning, with Ohio taking a 2-1 lead.

Scherer was the first Eagle batter in the seventh, taking a swing at the first pitch, sending it over the left field fence. It was her ninth long ball of the year, tying the game at 2-2. Delapaz was the next batter, flying out to right field. Strauss then singled through the right side, bringing up junior catcher Heather Han (Lafayette, Ind.-McCutcheon), who drew a walk. Grant was the hero, doubling to the gap in left center to score Strauss from second, giving the Eagles the walk-off win.

The Eagles honored seniors Stephanie Sabo (Allen Park, Mich.-Allen Park Cabrini), Lindsay Ritz (Garden City, Mich.-Garden City), Heather Giroux (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston), Grant and Strauss as part of Senior Day before the game. The class of 2008 has won 84 games over the past four years, helping the Eagles win their first MAC West Division Title and Tournament Championship in 2007.

EMU has the week off before heading to Muncie, Ind. to take on the Ball State University Cardinals. The Eagles and Cardinals are set for a doubleheader, Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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