April 1, 2011
Game One Box
Game Two Box
AKRON, Ohio - The Miami softball team opened Mid-American Conference play Friday with a split at Akron. The RedHawks defeated the Zips, 4-0, in game one, but fell, 3-0, in the nightcap. Miami is now 15-11 on the season and 1-1 in the MAC. Akron is 13-10 overall and 1-1 in the MAC.
After starting pitcher Jessica Simpson recorded a groundout to begin the bottom of the first of game one, two consecutive Akron batters would follow with singles. Simpson and catcher Jenna McGivney would then proceed to team up on a strikeout/throw out double play to end that threat. It was smooth sailing from there on out, as Simpson would not allow another hit for the rest of the game. She earned her seventh shutout of the season, allowing only those two hits while striking out seven.
Miami broke the scoreless tie with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Daniela Torres doubled to centerfield to score Kayla Ledbetter. The RedHawks broke it open with three more in the top of the sixth. With Ledbetter and Mawn on base and one out, Torres doubled to right center to bring home Mawn. Allie Larrabee followed with a single to third base that scored Ledbetter. McGivney would then reach on a fielder's choice and record an RBI as Torres came home from third to complete the Miami scoring.
Torres finished the first game 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run scored. Simpson was also 2-for-3 in that game.
Simpson also pitched game two of the doubleheader. It did not start out well as Akron was able to tag her for three runs on four hits in the bottom of the first inning. Like the first game, she settled down as she would allow no further scoring and only one hit the rest of the way. Simpson took the loss to fall to 13-7 overall, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out five.
Miami's best chance to score came in the top of the fifth inning. McGivney and Simpson each reached base on errors with one out. Kirstie Fehrenbach followed with a single to center field to load the bases. Akron starter Alex Riedeman was able to retire the next two hitters on a fielder's choice and a lineout to end the RedHawk threat.
Jordan McElroy, Ledbetter, Torres and Fehrenbach were each 1-for-3 for Miami in the nightcap.
The RedHawks continue their MAC opening road trip with single games at Ohio this weekend. Saturday's game starts at 2 p.m., while Sunday's game is scheduled for 1 p.m.
