Eagles Drop Two at Kent State

Game One Box Score

Game Two Box Score

KENT, Ohio – After rain postponed the conclusion of the first game of the series against Kent State University, the Eastern Michigan University softball team dropped both games here Sunday, May 4, at the Diamond at Dix. The Eagles were down 5-0 when the first game picked up and were unable to rally, falling 8-0 in five innings. In the second game, the Golden Flashes downed the Eagles, 4-1.

The Eagles conclude the 2008 season with a 15-30 (6-12 MAC) record. With today’s two losses, the Eagles were not able to secure a fourth consecutive berth to the Mid-American Conference tournament.

In yesterday’s (May 3) action, Kent State got on the board first, scoring a run in the bottom of the second off an Amy Hair sacrifice down the right field line. The Golden Flashes continued the scoring in the third inning, putting up five runs in the frame before the delay. KSU hit back-to-back home runs in the third, with the first coming from reigning MAC East Player of the Week Jessica Toocheck. Jamie Fitzpatrick followed that three-run shot with a home run of her own, putting the Golden Flashes up 5-0. After Fitzpatrick’s home run, rain forced a delay that led to the postponement until Sunday.

When the game picked up with one out in the third inning, Kari Chambers (Woodstock, Ga.-Woodstock) took over in the circle for Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy’s Priory). The Golden Flashes continued to pile up the runs, putting another two runs on the board off a two-run home run. Chambers snagged a line drive and doubled up the runner at first to get the Eagles out of the inning, down 7-0 after three.

In the bottom of the fifth, KSU managed another run to end the game, 8-0. Caro was charged with the loss, going 2.1 innings while giving up five hits and five runs with two strikeouts. The Eagles totaled two hits in the contest, with senior Ashley Strauss (Trenton, Mich.-Trenton) and freshman Lauren Delapaz (Plymouth, Mich.-Canton) accounting for the Eagle offense.

In the second game, the Eagles struck in the first inning, taking an early 1-0 lead. After reaching base on an error by the third baseman, sophomore Jenny Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe) stole second and advanced to third on another error by the Golden Flashes. Junior Heather Han (Lafayette, Ind.-McCutcheon) then ripped an RBI double to right centerfield, staking the Eagles an early lead.

Scherer collected her second hit of the game in third inning, a double off the left field fence. Both Han and Jessica Grant (Grand Rapids, Mich.-Forest Hills Northern) drew two-out walks, loading the bases for the Eagles. EMU was not able to capitalize, leaving three stranded.

KSU took its first lead of the game in the third inning, putting up four runs. After giving up five consecutive hits and four runs, sophomore Michelle Hletko (Westmont, Ill.-Westmont) came on in relief of Caro. Hletko recorded three consecutive outs, but the Golden Flashes were able to take a 4-1 lead after three innings.

The Eagles loaded the bases again in the fifth inning, but were once again unable to score, keeping the Kent State lead at 4-1. After hitting a batter and walking the next, Kent State was forced to make a pitching change in the sixth inning. With two on and one out, Kylie Reynolds was able to get the next two batters out, keeping the score at 4-1 in favor of the home team.

After Hletko pitched four innings of scoreless relief, EMU went into the seventh inning facing a 4-1 deficit. Strauss struck out, Han flied out to left field and Grant struck out, ending the game for the Eagles.

The Eagles had three hits in the contest, with Scherer knocking two base hits. Caro (9-13) picked up the loss, pitching two innings while giving up four runs on six hits. Hletko provided solid relief, pitching four scoreless innings, giving up no hits while notching two strikeouts.

Today’s game marked the last game played by the senior class of Heather Giroux (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston), Grant, Lindsay Ritz (Garden City, Mich.-Garden City), Stephanie Sabo (Allen Park, Mich.-Cabrini) and Strauss.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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