Softball defeats Miami with late game home runs
Softball was able to overcome adversity after being swept against Ball State on Friday with a decisive Mid-American Conference victory against Miami at Margo Jonker Stadium.
The Chippewas fought hard against the RedHawks, staying tied up until the sixth when sophomore Trista Cox and freshman Katelyn Rentschler hit consecutive home runs to win the game.
"I think this was huge for us to bounce back, especially after being swept yesterday," Rentschler said. "I think it shows our character in that we're able to come back strong after losses."
The defense was in rare form, completing three double plays and digging their way out of tough situations in the sixth and seventh innings to keep Miami from scoring.
"I think the defense is getting better," said head coach Margo Jonker. "We still have some room to grow and get better, but, we're doing much better than we were early on."
Senior Kara Dornbos earned the win, gaining some redemption after being removed after one inning against Ball State and having a difficult time with Michigan earlier in the week. She ended the day with two earned runs and eight hits.
"Kara didn't have her best stuff today, but she got stronger as the game went on, and that was good to see." Jonker said.
Miami began the game with one run in the top of the first. A series of three singles set up the first score before CMU ended the inning with a double play from third to first.
The team responded in the bottom of the second starting with a single from junior Britteny Horan. She had little time to stay on first, as sophomore CarolAnn Sexauer ripped a double to center field sending Horan around the bases. Sexauer reached home herself thanks to a single from senior Macy Merchant.
In the top of the fourth, the RedHawks put up their last run to tie the game at two. Kayla Ledbetter got the best of Dornbos hitting a long solo home run to left field.
Moving into the sixth inning, CMU was under threat when Dornbos hit a batter and gave up two singles to load the bases with one out. However, Dornbos held Miami at bay, striking out a batter and forcing another to foul out.
The Chippewas were triumphant when they took the plate, hitting back-to-back home runs.
"I was just trying to stay relaxed because it's always hard to hit after a home run," Rentschler said. "I was thinking to myself to stay relaxed and if she throws it inside, pound it."
After a late season slump, CMU will try to ride this success into Sunday when it faces Miami in the final home game of the season.
"It's definitely good for our momentum," Cox said. "I think it just sets the tone for the rest of the season, and gets us ready to go into our next games and the post season"
