Tolliver's Walk-Off Single Completes EMU Rally Against Bowling Green

Box Score

YPSILANTI, Mich.- Down 7-1 entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the Eastern Michigan University softball team scored seven unanswered runs, including five in the seventh, rallying to defeat Bowling Green State University, 8-7. Freshman Kaylee Tolliver's (Amanda, Ohio-Amanda Clearcreek) single to right center plated two runs to complete the rally and give EMU the win.

With the win, the Eagles improve to 22-29 (8-13 MAC) while Bowling Green falls to 12-31 (7-14 MAC). EMU's win, coupled with a Buffalo loss to Northern Illinois, puts the Eagles alone in eighth place in the Mid-American Conference standings with one game remaining.

Both teams totaled 10 hits on the afternoon, but the Falcons stranded nine runners compared to five for the Eagles. Senior Heather Han (Lafayette, Ind.-McCutcheon) led the way at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Junior Jenny Scherer (Stow, Ohio-Stow-Munroe) hit her 13th home run of the season, tying her for the best single-season mark in EMU history. Freshman McKenna Russ (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover) and junior Jessica Patterson (Ionia, Mich.-Ionia) each had two hits on the afternoon.

Down 7-1 entering the sixth inning, the Eagles went to work. Sophomore Stacie Skodinski (South Bend, Ind.-Washington) reached base on an error by the third baseman and was brought home on Han's fifth home run of the season to bring the Eagles to within four, 7-3.

With one out in the seventh, Patterson collected her second hit of the contest, doubling down the left field line. A Russ single pushed Patterson to third and Sarah Gerber's (North Canton, Ohio-Hoover) groundout to the shortstop plated Patterson to trim the lead to 7-4.

With two outs and one runner aboard, Scherer was intentionally walked for the fourth time this season. Skodinski then drew a walk of her own to load the bases for Han. The senior catcher delivered with a double down the left field line to score two and cut the BG lead to 7-6 and bring Tolliver to the plate. For the second time in as many days, the Eagles earned the walk-off win, as Tolliver knocked a two-RBI single to right center to end the game in favor of the home team, 8-7.

EMU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on Scherer's roundtripper in the first inning. The Falcons scored seven runs in the third, fourth and fifth inning to take a commanding 7-1 lead before the Eagles were able to rally.

Sophomore pitcher Jaclyn Caro (Chino, Calif.-St. Lucy's Priory) got the nod in the circle, pitching 2.1 innings while giving up four runs on four hits. Junior Michelle Hletko (Westmont, Ill.-Westmont) was credited with the win, pitching 4.2 innings of relief after starting the game in left field. Hletko allowed three runs on six hits while fanning three batters to improve her record to 7-12.

The Eagles and Falcons will conclude their series tomorrow at Varsity Field at 1 p.m. With a win, the Eagles would wrap up the No. 8 seed for the upcoming MAC Tournament. Prior to the contest, Han will be recognized for her contributions and achievements as part of Senior Day. EMU President Dr. Susan Martin will also be in attendance to throw out the first pitch.

Eastern Michigan Athletics

Tolliver's Walk-Off Single Completes EMU Rally Against Bowling Green

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