Six run inning dooms softball in MAC opener
Softball fell in their first Mid-American Conference game of the season to Eastern Michigan by giving up a six run inning in the 8-4 loss.
Going into the bottom of the third, the Chippewas were ahead 3-1 after another strong start from the top of their lineup including sophomore CarolAnn Sexauer's solo homer.
However, the momentum would soon shift in favor of the Eagles starting with a single from Jenn Lucas who then advanced to third on two consecutive singles to load the bases. With the tying runner on second base senior Kara Dornbos hit Nellie Coquillard with a pitch, which bumped Lucas home to score.
Now only up by one run and the bases still loaded with one out, head coach Margo Jonker gave Dornbos a rest, substituting her with junior Kristen Kuhlman in the circle.
The situation would not turn around, as Elaine Whitbeck connected with a double down the infield line to put up two RBI and give the Eagles the lead. Courtney Loe continued the rally, hitting a two RBI triple to right center. They would finish with another run batting in Loe from a Mady Hostetler single to put the score 7-3.
At the end of the third EMU had six runs from six hits, leaving two runners still on base. The excitement settled down after the third, with most innings ending in three at-bats from both teams.
CMU would put up a last-ditch effort in the fifth inning, stringing together a double from Sexauer who was pushed to third on a grounder from freshman Trista Cox. Freshman Katelyn Rentschler would bring Sexuaer home on a sacrifice fly to score the Chippewas final run on the day.
Senior Macy Merchant led the team with three hits in four at-bats and Senior Summer Knoop, Sexauer, and Rentschler recorded an RBI each. Central Michigan ended with seven hits, only being out hit 8-7 by Eastern overall.
Dornbos, Kuhlman, and junior Morgan Yunker split time in the circle. Dorbos recieved the loss, putting her at 3-6 on the season. She gave up five earned runs on the day and three bases on balls. In Kuhlman's single inning of play she gave up three earned runs, while Yunker closed the game giving up no hits.
The Chippewas will have a chance for redemption Saturday the 30th as they face off against Eastern Michigan again in Ypsilanti at 2:00pm.
