Central Michigan University
Oakland
Chippewas Crest .500 Mark With Sweep
4/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Cullen Maksimowski, CMUChippewas.com
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- The Central Michigan softball team took advantage of an error, a walk, a fielder's choice and a Michelle Dornan RBI double to push across three runs in the ninth inning of the nightcap Tuesday to defeat Oakland, 8-5, and complete the sweep of a non-conference doubleheader.
It was the Chippewas' fourth consecutive victory -- they won the opener, 2-1 -- and their ninth in their last 10 games. CMU (17-16) moved above the .500 mark for the first time this season. Oakland is 18-17.
Rachael Knapp (11-6) earned the game-two win in relief of Hanna Warren. Knapp allowed one run on two hits, while striking out two over the final four innings. Warren started and went five innings, giving up four runs on eight hits. She struck out four.
Trista Cox had two hits including a home run, her fourth of the season, to lead CMU at the plate. Lacy Tolfree, Maison Kalina and Taylor Lewallen added two hits apice. The Chippewas outhit Oakland, 13-10. Lewallen finished with two RBI.
The Chippewas scored twice in the second inning of the opener and Taylor Weaver and Knapp combined in the circle to make the lead stand.
Weaver (2-3) allowed one run on seven hits, walked four and struck out one over four innings in earning the win. Knapp surrendered just one hit and struck out five over the final three innings to notch her third save.
Kristen Kuhlman singled, doubled and drove in a run to lead the CMU offense.
Oakland collected eight hits to the Chippewas' three, but the Grizzlies stranded 11 baserunners. CMU committed three errors.
The Chippewas return to Margo Jonker Stadium this weekend for four Mid-American Conference games. On Friday, they will play Kent State in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. The Chippewas will square off against Buffalo on Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.).
Kent State is 28-9 overall and shared the best record in the MAC, 7-2, with Ball State. Buffalo is 7-28, 0-8. The Chippewas are 5-3 in league play and have won four of their last five conference games.
