14-28, 8-7
Kent State
26-17, 9-6
Bulls Drop Opener In Walk-off Fashion
4/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
KENT, OH – The host Kent State Golden Flashes scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh to defeat the University at Buffalo softball team 3-2 in the weekend opener of the three game series. The loss drops UB to 8-7 in MAC play.
Both pitchers were sharp for much of the afternoon as the Bulls struck first in the top of the third. Junior Savanna Norcio opened the inning with a triple to left center and then sophomore Leandra Jew was hit by a pitch and stole second. Both runners came in to score on a double to left center by freshman Katie Weimer, who recorded her 42nd RBI of the season, one shy of tying the single-season school record. Weimer advanced to third with one out, but could not score.
The Golden Flashes scored one run in the bottom of the fifth on a solo home run, but UB still led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh. However, Kent State put two runners on with one out when Holly Spears doubled to center field, scoring two and giving Kent State the walk off win.
Charlotte Miller picked up the tough luck loss as she pitched the complete game and allowed seven hits, three runs, three walks and three strikeouts. The Bulls finished with seven hits, including a 2-for-4 performance by Norcio.
"This was obviously a tough loss for us," said head coach Trena Peel. "We'll bounce back tomorrow and be on a mission to take two."
The two teams will continue their series tomorrow with a doubleheader beginning at 1:00 pm.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: LADINES (15-6)
L: Miller, Charlotte (6-7)
Batting:
2B: Weimer, Katie 1
3B: Norcio, Savanna 1
RBI: Weimer, Katie 2
Base Running:
RUNS: Norcio, Savanna 1 ; Jew, Leandra 1
SB: Jew, Leandra 1 ; Lallos, Danielle 1
CS: Earnhardt, Ashton 1
HBP: Jew, Leandra 1
Batting:
2B: SPEERS 1 ; LADINES 1
HR: GRIMM 1
RBI: GRIMM 1 ; SPEERS 2
SH: BRANCIFORT 2
Base Running:
RUNS: ROUSH 1 ; GRIMM 2
SB: DUFFY 1
