Oilers Split Games
The University of Findlay softball team split a pair of games on Tuesday, March 6, in Hardeville, South Carolina. Milligan topped the Oilers 11-10 but Findlay was able to turn around their defense with a 10-6 win against Malone University. The Oilers have a 2-3 record for the start of the 2012 campaign.
In game one, Tori Allen doubled into right center before being sent home on a Brittany Dauterman rip to opposite field. Emily Reynolds doubled to allow Dauterman to score. After a walk, Reynolds was able to touch home plate on a Milligan error.
The Oiler offense raged on into the second inning with a Kelsey McKenty single. After advancing on a past ball, McKenty raced home with a Courtney Dwyer single. Two more hits and two Buffalo errors gave Findlay the early 7-1 advantage.
An incredible 6th inning for Milligan with seven runs off of four hits proved too much for the Oilers despite a two-run comeback in the bottom of the seventh as the Buffaloes toppled the Oilers 11-10.
Starter Grace Ammons allowed four hits and one walk in the contest while both Ammons and Tawna Whited fanned three Buffalo batters each.
In game two, Malone took the early advantage with a 6-1 lead. Freshman Emily Stewart ignited the Findlay offense in the bottom of the fourth inning with a three-shot homer to cut the deficit to two.
A stop in the Pioneer offense was key as the Oiler bats sizzled during the fifth frame with six runs off of five hits and two errors. Dauterman smashed the ball for a three-run homer to tie the match at seven. Reynolds singled to plate McKenty who advanced to second on the bunt and allowed Reynolds to score.
Dauterman and Stewert collected 3 RBI apiece while Reynolds and Jenny Motuza both recorded two hits in the second game.
The tag-team effort of Whited and Ammons generated seven strikeouts and only three free passes.
The Oilers will be back in action tomorrow when they face Malone and Walsh. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m.