Softball splits double-header against EMU, moves to 8th in MAC standings


Runs were hard to come by against Eastern Michigan freshman pitcher Nicolle Miranda, but Central Michigan softball managed to pull one win out of Saturday’s double-header.

After winning game two, CMU holds the eighth position in the Mid-American Conference standings, which would give CMU the last entry into the MAC Tournament if the season ended today.

Miranda started both games for the Eagles and pitched two complete games, holding the Chippewas to three runs in 13 innings pitched.

“We were getting runners on but couldn’t get them in, which was a problem we’ve had a lot this year,” said Head Coach Margo Jonker. “We have to do a better job executing and moving the runners and getting the key hit.”

In game two, an RBI sacrifice fly by sophomore Maison Kalina was the only run CMU needed to earn a victory.

CMU junior pitcher Rachael Knapp took a no-hitter into the fifth inning in her complete game shutout effort. Knapp struck out four batters while allowing two hits and four walks.

“The second game was a great defensive game and Knapp pitched extremely well,” Jonker said.

CMU had the bases loaded with one out in the sixth inning of the first game with an opportunity to cut into EMU's four-run deficit. CMU was only able to score one runner on a hit batter.

CMU left a total of 15 runners on base in game one.

Sophomore Hanna Warren got the start in the circle for CMU in game one and took the loss. Warren gave up five runs, four of which came from a pair of two-run home runs.

In yesterday’s game against EMU, the Chippewas lost senior shortstop CarolAnn Sexauer, who is leading the team in RBI, doubles and slugging percentage to injury. Jonker said she has not been made aware of her status moving forward.

CMU’s record improves to 22-24-1 (9-10-1 MAC) with two games remaining on the regular season schedule, and EMU falls to ninth place in the MAC with its 19-28 (9-11 MAC) record.

The Chippewas will travel to Northern Illinois for a two-day series against the first place Huskies with an opportunity to control their ability to enter the MAC Tournament.

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