Box Score

DeKalb, Ill. - The Miami University softball team beat Northern Illinois 7-2 to win its second game of the three-game series to open Mid-American Conference play. Miami's record is now 13-12.

Miami 7, NIU 2

Courtney Vierstra pitched the complete game in the circle for the RedHawks. Vierstra registered seven strikeouts while only giving up two walks and two runs. Vierstra's pitching also forced NIU to go three up, three down in three separate innings.

The game remained scoreless through one, despite Miami loading the bases in the bottom of the first inning. Haeley Tran hit a double followed by a walk from Johniann Wahl and a hit-by-pitch from Ashton Slone.

In the bottom of the second inning, the RedHawks took a 3-0 lead. Rylee Whispel led off with a walk. Morgan Lott reached base on error. Tran singled to load the bases. With two outs, Kat Lee hit a bases-clearing single to give Miami the lead.

Vierstra responded by forcing NIU to go three up, three down in the top of the third inning to get the RedHawks back to the batter's box.

Miami tacked on another run to increase its lead to 4-0 in the bottom of the third inning. Kaitlyn Gliha singled and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Whispel singled. Lott reached base on a fielder's choice play that saw Whispel out and Gliha home.

NIU responded with two runs in the top of the fourth inning. NIU started with two singles that advanced to second and third on a throwing error. The third single of the inning brought in two runs.

The score remained 4-2 until the bottom of the sixth inning. Megan Wurts got on base with a single and Tran with a bunt. Lee reached base on a fielder's choice that saw Wurts forced out at third. Wahl hit a double that scored both Tran and Lee. Slone singled to bring home Wahl, the final run of the game.

Eight Miami players reached base, seven of those reaching on at least one hit. Tran led the RedHawks, going 3-for-3 with a walk. Lee led Miami with three RBI's.

UP AHEAD

The RedHawks continue conference play at Central Michigan on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31. First pitch on Friday is at 3 p.m. Saturday's doubleheader will begin at 1 p.m.