Rentschler delivers another walk-off as softball rallies to beat EMU at home
Another game, another walk-off hit for senior Katelyn Rentschler. This time, it was the Eastern Michigan Eagles who fell victim to the first baseman’s clutch hitting.
The Etiwanda, California native — who hit a walk-off home run against Toledo on April 15 — stepped to the plate with sophomore Courtney Streich on third base. With the infield drawn in, Rentschler hit a ball through the middle of the infield to bring in the winning run and give CMU the 7-6 victory at Margo Jonker Stadium Friday.
“Having Rentschler with a couple of hits today and certainly the walk-off, that was huge,” said Head Coach Margo Jonker. “She’s a very good player with a great swing and when she relaxes she does a really great job.”
In a series that may decide the post season fate of each team, CMU (21-23-1, 8-9-1 Mid-American Conference) won game one 7-6 to take over third place in the MAC West Division and the eighth and final spot in the MAC Tournament over EMU (18-28, 8-10).
Although junior pitcher Rachael Knapp (12-12, 3.02 ERA) did not have her best performance of the season, the offense rallied in the final innings behind timely hitting.
“We have to have big hitters come through, we can’t rely on Knapp to have a great game every single time,” Jonker said. “I thought they battled and worked hard to get this win.”
Trailing 5-4 in the fifth inning, Rentschler tied the game on a sacrifice fly and senior Chelsea DeLamielleure gave CMU the lead with an RBI single. Freshman Rachel Viera appeared to hit into a double play to end the inning after hitting a ground ball to the EMU second baseman Olmos, but after stepping on second, Olmos through the ball of the helmet of DeLamielleure to allow another run to score.
While the Chippewas won the game in exciting fashion, not all luck was on their side. Senior CarolAnn Sexauer left the game in the fifth inning after scoring on the sacrifice fly from Rentschler.
Sexauer — who leads the team in RBI, doubles and slugging percentage — appeared to land on her shoulder after sliding into home plate. Sexauer stayed on the ground for about a minute, but then was helped off the field and did not return. Jonker declined to comment on Sexauer’s status, but said she is not expected to play in Saturday’s doubleheader.
First pitch in game two is scheduled for 1 p.m. and while the game one victory was important, the team knows they have a bigger opportunity in their final two home games on Saturday.
“This was great, but it’s one game,” Jonker said. “Tomorrow is important. We wanted to win the first game, but we still have two more games to go.” soft
