Miami rallies for win over CMU softball team

Patrick Siller

After six innings Saturday, softball pitcher Kim Campbell was going strong, even after the RedHawks singled off her to start to seventh.

But then a line-drive off the bat of Kathryn Russette struck Campbell’s shoulder and head to give Miami two runners on base with no outs. Campbell and Central were never able to recover.

Tied 1-1, CMU gave up seven runs in the seventh inning to lose 8-1 in game two of a doubleheader at Margo Jonker Stadium.

Campbell said the team lost momentum after the line drive hit her.

“I think the whole play where I got hit in the head, I think we lost our focus and it knocked us off track,” Campbell said.

Campbell was charged with five earned runs before senior Ali Pettit came in and gave up three more, all unearned. Coach Margo Jonker said Campbell pitched strong for most of the game, but failed to finish.

“I thought Kim pitched well for five, six innings and I think Ali was pretty well spent for the weekend,” she said. “She came in and the ball wasn’t moving much today.”

Campbell scattered four hits through the first six innings, giving up just one run.

Miami junior Sarah Billstrom walked to start the second inning and Kathryn Russette singled her in to give Miami a 1-0 lead.

CMU loaded the bases in the third inning with just one out, but failed to score. Junior Jill Schulz grounded out and sophomore Amanda Klosterman popped out to short to end the threat with three runners left on base.

Junior Christina Novak doubled to start the bottom of the fourth inning. After Miami pitcher Jessica Simpson struck out sophomore Brittini Merchant, Novak was thrown out at third base while attempting to tag up and take the base after Molly Coldren fled out to right field. Right fielder Jordan McElroy got the outfield assist.

CMU scored its lone run in the fifth inning when sophomore Amanda Patrick and freshman Ashley Gilson had back-to-back singles. Senior Kim Cozat struck out with runners on first and second, but junior Katie Greenman singled Patrick in to tie the game.

After Miami scored seven runs in the top of the seventh inning, CMU couldn’t generated a significant threat.

Campbell said the team will use the disappointing 1-3 weekend as a way to rally for the rest of the season.

“We talked about how we’re going to let it fuel our fire,” she said. “Obviously this isn’t a good feeling, but we’re going to let it burn and never let it happen again.”

CMU plays at 2 p.m. Wednesday in a doubleheader against Oakland at Margo Jonker Stadium.

sports@cm-life.com