Miami University
Eastern Michigan
Linch Leads RedHawks to Split with Eastern Michigan
3/27/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
YPSILANTI, Mich. - The Miami University softball team opened up Mid-American Conference play with a split against Eastern Michigan Friday. The Eagles won game one 4-1, but Miami came back and took game two 4-1.The RedHawks are now 14-13 overall and 1-1 in the MAC. Eastern Michigan is 11-16 overall and 1-1 in the MAC.
Meredith Linch gave Miami a quality start in game two, pitching the complete game while giving up only one run on only five hits with six strikeouts.
In the second game, the RedHawks scored first in the top of the second inning. Kelly Cabana singled to score Kathryn Russette. In the top of the third Ashley Gartland led off with a triple to left field. Two batters later, Jenna McGivney doubled to score her. McGivney then made it 3-0 when she scored off an error by the Eagles' second baseman.
Miami concluded its scoring in the top of the fifth when Daniela Torres singled home Sarah Billstrom.
Billstrom, Mawn and McGivney each had two hits during the game for the RedHawks.
Miami kept Eastern Michigan off the board in the first game in every inning except the second. The Eagles were able to score four runs off only one hit in the inning, as starter Jessica Simpson gave up three walks and the RedHawks committed an error that kept the inning alive.
Miami scored its run in game one when Billstrom led off the inning with a triple and two batters later, Meghan Mawn singled to bring her home.
Mawn was the leading hitter for the RedHawks, going 2-for-2 with a walk and one RBI. Simpson finished the day giving up two earned runs in six innings pitched, striking out six.
Due to expected poor weather in the Mt. Pleasant area on Sunday, the Miami University softball team will now play a doubleheader against Central Michigan on Saturday with the first game starting at 1 p.m.
