Posted: Apr 24, 2009
By: Evan Miller, sports information assistant
April 24, 2009
BLUFFTON, Ohio- The Bluffton University softball team split a doubleheader with conference foe Mt. St. Joseph on April 24, 2009. Prior to the second game, the Beavers celebrated the dedication of their new field with 2006 graduate Sarah Betts throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. The split allowed the Beavers to equal the 2004 squad for the most wins ever by a Bluffton softball team. Bluffton moved to 26-10 overall and 9-3 in the Heartland Conference, while the Mount now stands at 11-21 and 6-6 in the HCAC.
MSJ 5, BLUFFTON 0
In game one, the Beavers failed to find any offensive rhythm as they fell 5-0. The Lions started things off early, scoring two unearned runs in the first inning. With one out, CASEY WALDMAN walked and she came around to score on a Bluffton error following a MEGAN MCCULLOUGH double. Later in the inning ELLA FREDE doubled to left center, scoring McCullough on the play for a 2-0 lead.
As Bluffton continued to struggle offensively, the Lions added another run in the fifth inning. After KRISTINA DENNETT led off with a walk, pinch runner HALEY SHINKLE advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt. She scored on a double down the left field line by CASEY BROOKBANK.
The Lions tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh for the 5-0 win. BROOK BABCOCK (Findlay) fell to 13-5 with the loss, going all seven innings. Babcock allowed seven hits and five runs, three earned. She walked three and struck out eight. Unfortunately, Babcock got no help from her offense as the Beavers managed just two hits, singles by CHELSIE OSBORNE (Chillicothe/Waverly) and JAYME MARBAUGH (Ohio City/Parkway) in the sixth frame.
The Lions were paced by Casey Brookbank. Brookbank pitched all seven innings, allowing just two hits and striking out seven. McCullough went 2-of-4 at the plate, scored a run and drove one in to lead the Lions.
BLUFFTON 1, MSJ 0
The Beavers were able to return the favor, taking game two of the doubleheader. Senior KELLIE KENNEY (Toledo/Emmanuel Baptist) pitched a gem, going seven innings and only giving up two hits. Kenney struck out two and walked one. Nearly matching Kenney was KATIE LAWRENCEwho pitched six innings, allowing just one run on two hits. Lawrence struck out two batters and walked none.
Bluffton scored an unearned run in the first inning and Kenney made it stand up. JESSICA MCDONALD (Mechanicsburg) singled to center, but she went all the way to third when it got past the Lions' outfielder with one down. Jamie Marbaugh plated her with a ground out to third base.
McDonald and EMILY MANAHAN (Columbus/Bishop Waterson) had Bluffton's only two hits in the 1-0 victory. Kenney (10-4) was masterful, limiting the Lions to just two singles in her complete game shutout.
The Beavers return to action on Saturday, April 25, 2009, when Bluffton hosts Hanover College. The first game is slated to start at 11 a.m.
-BEAVERS-