Feb. 20, 2009
MARIETTA, Ga. - The softball team split its opening games Friday at the K-Club Classic hosted by Kennesaw State University. The RedHawks defeated Mid-American Conference rival Buffalo 9-0 in a five-inning run ruled shortened game. Miami then dropped a tough 5-4 decision to the host Owls, when Kennesaw State scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Miami is now 2-4 on the season.
The RedHawks erupted for five runs in the top of the first inning against the Bulls. After Jordan McElroy scored on a throwing error, Sarah Billstrom singled to score Kathryn Russette. Two batters later, Ashley Gartland worked a bases-loaded walk to force in another run. Alexis Javier closed the scoring in the inning with a two-run double that scored Javier and Jenna McGivney.
In the top of the fourth Miami scored four more times to put itself in position to end the game early. The big hit came from Russette, who singled with the bases loaded. A subsequent throwing error allowed three runners to score. Later in the inning, McGivney hit a double that brought home Russette and completed the RedHawk scoring.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Meredith Linch was on top of her game, shutting out the Bulls over five innings, while allowing only two hits and striking out nine of the 18 batters she faced.
Russette finished the game 1-for-2 with one RBI and two runs scored, while Javier was 1-for-2 with two RBI and one run scored.
It started out well against Kennesaw State, as the RedHawks struck first in the top of the second inning. Daniela Torres singled home Gartland to put Miami in front. The RedHawks made it 3-0 in the top of the third when Billstrom singled home McElroy and Lauren Odom singled to score Billstrom. The Owls responded with three runs off starter Jessica Simpson in the bottom of the inning however, to tie the score.
Miami went back ahead in the top of the fifth when Katie Osburn contributed a pinch hit double to left field that scored McGivney, but again the Owls answered with a run of their own in the bottom of the fifth. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the seventh, Kennesaw State hit a ground ball. The RedHawks attempted to tag out the lead runner at home, but the throw came in just late and the Owls had a 5-4 win.
McElroy was 2-for-2 with two walks and one run scored against Kennesaw State. McGivney, Odom and Osburn also had strong days at the plate with two hits apiece.
The RedHawks return to action tomorrow with two more games at the K-Club Classic. Miami will face Drexel at 11 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. game against Iowa.
