Oilers Split G-MAC Matchup with Walsh
North Canton, OH – The University of Findlay softball team split a double-header in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play on Sunday, April 22 against Walsh University. The Oilers move to an overall record of 24-17 with a 14-2 record in the conference while the Cavaliers move to 19-19 overall with a G-MAC record of 8-10.
Game 1 | L 0 – 5 (Box Score)
It was an offensive struggle for the Oilers in game one, only able to put together four hits as a team while leaving six runners on base during the contest.
Findlay runners would not reach third base until the top of the fourth inning, when Madison Arnold advanced to third on a wild pitch after singling up the middle and being moved to second on a fielder's choice ground ball.
A strikeout and a pop up ended the inning, and it would be the only time the Oilers were able to get passed second for the game.
The Cavaliers scored the majority of their runs in the first inning on a bases-loaded double, and scored their other two runs in the fourth inning on an error.
The lone Oiler with multiple hits during game one was Salwa Al-Hajabed, with singles in the second and seventh inning.
Hailey Bryan received started and received the loss on the mound. In Bryan's six innings, she allowed seven hits, five runs (four earned), and walked three Walsh batters while striking out four.
Game 2 | W 14 – 2 (Box Score)
The Oiler offense did not let their struggles carry on into the second game of the double-header and were able to eclipse the run-rule after the sixth inning.
Although Walsh did strike first by scoring two runs in the bottom of the second on a single and an error, Findlay came roaring back in the next couple innings.
After two errors put Sadie Gearhart on first and Brooke Otto on second in the top of the third, senior Meredith Shepherd ripped a single to left field to get the Oilers on the board.
Oilers claimed the lead in the fourth thanks to a double from the bat off Destinie Keeton and a single to center from Gearhart.
After a quiet fifth inning from both teams, the Oiler offense absolutely exploded in the sixth, scoring 11 runs on the Cavalier defense.
The scoring was highlighted by a 2 RBI pinch hit single up the middle from Devyn Zuro, and RBI singles from Gearhart, Otto, Allison Brunner, and Amanda Delmonte.
Findlay ended the contest with 11 team hits, the 14th time this year they have ended the game with hits in the double digits.
Megan Fisher received the decision in the circle, going six innings while allowing two runs (unearned), seven hits, one walk, and striking out two.
The Oilers will be back in action when they visit G-MAC opponent Cedarville University for a double-header on Thursday, April 26. First pitch is set for 3:30 PM.