Softball Splits with Miami to Open MAC Play

Game One Box score

Game Two Box score

YPSILANTI, Mich.- The Eastern Michigan University softball team split the first Mid-American Conference doubleheader of the season, defeating the Miami University RedHawks, 4-1, before falling in the second contest, 1-4.

With the split, the Eagles move to 11-16 (1-1 MAC) on the year while Miami goes to 14-13 (1-1 MAC). Sophomore Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy's Priory) pitched a complete game in the first contest, going all seven innings to pick up the win and move to 5-4 on the year. The reigning MAC West Pitcher of the Week gave up one run on seven hits while fanning five batters. The Eagles only had four hits, but took advantage of a key RedHawk error, leading to a four-run second inning.

In the decisive second inning, the Eagles were able to load the bases, courtesy of two walks and a Caro fielder's choice. With the bases full, Jessica Richards (Canton, Ohio-Jackson) drew a walk of her own to plate the first run of the game. McKenna Russ (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover) then hit an RBI single up the middle to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead. Sarah Gerber (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover) then reached on an error by the shortstop, allowing two more Eagles to cross the plate to push the lead to 4-0. The RedHawks put a run on the board in the fourth, but would get no closer, giving EMU the victory.

In the second game of the afternoon, Miami jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead after three innings before tacking on another run in the top of the fifth, increasing the lead to 4-0. EMU started to mount a comeback in the sixth inning, as Jenny Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe) led off the frame with a home run to left field, but the Eagles could not close the gap before falling, 4-1.

The RedHawks doubled up the Eagles at the plate, racking up 10 hits to just five for EMU. Scherer's long ball marked the sixth of the season for the junior, who went 1-for-2 in the game. Michelle Hletko (Westmont, Ill.-Westmont) went the distance in the circle, pitching 7.0 innings while giving up four runs on 10 hits. The loss puts the junior at 2-10 on the season.

The Eagles will take on Ball State tomorrow, March 28, in a doubleheader at 1 p.m. at Varsity Field. The series with the Cardinals was originally scheduled for two single games, but the threat of inclement weather has forced the change.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

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