Findlay Comes Up Shy of Regular Season Title in Heartbreaking Fashion
Findlay, OH- The University of Findlay played the Hillsdale College Chargers in a double header at the Cube on Saturday Arp 30. These were the teams last regular season games before starting the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) tournament. It came down to one final game for the regular season title and, despite holding a 4-1 lead with just three outs remaining, a trio of oddities did not go in favor of the Oilers and it was the Chargers who came away with the regular season crown and the top seed in next week's tournament. With the two losses, Findlay falls to 34-12 overall and 18-4 in conference play. They will be the third seed in the tournament. Hillsdale claims the regular season crown with a 31-18 overall record and 19-2 mark in league action.
The Chargers put up 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning with a string of hits to give them an early 3-0 lead.
Findlay would put a run on the board in the bottom of the 3rd inning with an RBI single from senior Lexie Hilling to plate senior Megan Demler.
Hillsdale would add another 5 runs in the top of the 5th inning to give them an 8-1 lead after 5 innings.
In the top half of the 7th inning, Hillsdale would put up 2 more runs on a string of base hits to give them an 8 run lead.
Senior Megan Demler started in the circle for the Oilers and threw 4 innings allowing 6 earned runs and striking out 5 batters. Freshmen Emma Jones would come into pitch next for Findlay throwing the final two innings allowing one earned run and striking out 2 batters.
Findlay opened the game with an RBI double by senior Megan Demler to score sophomore Avery Shepherd.
The Oilers added another run in the 4th inning when Shepherd reached on an error that allowed junior Makayla Cowen to score.
The Chargers would score one run in the top of the 5th inning to make the score 2-1.
Findlay would extend their lead in the bottom of the 6th inning with a 2 out RBI single from Caroline Turner that brought junior McKenzie Anderson to score. Shepherd would later score on a dropped third strike to extend the lead.
Leading 4-1 in the seventh inning, Findlay needed just three outs to claim its' first-ever regular season conference championship. A ground out began the inning but that was followed by a single. The Chargers' next batter hit a pop up just out of reach in front of Savannah Harvey at second base, but Megan Demler picked it up and fired to second. The throw appeared to beat Hillsdale's runner, who was tagging up on the play, but the field umpire called her safe, putting runners on first and second with one out. After a ground out, a close 3-2 pitch did not go Findlay's way, loading the bases.
On the first pitch of the next at-bat, Hillsdale's Hailey Holtman popped a ball up in foul territory, but it was dropped, extending the game. The very next pitch, Holtman ripped a ball to the fence in center for a double, clearing the bases and tying the game. Another double gave Hillsdale a 5-4 lead.
Needing a single run, the Oilers were set down 1,2,3 in the bottom of the seventh as Hillsdale went on to celebrate their regular season crown, leaving Findlay's dugout in complete shock.
Senior Lexie Hilling started inside the circle for the Oilers throwing 6 innings allowing no earned runs and striking out three batters. Demler would come in to throw the 7th and allow no earned runs.
The Oilers will be back on the diamond on Thursday May 5 to start the G-MAC Conference Tournament.