Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Kent State
Chippewas Bounce Back to Earn Split
4/17/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Jared Porter, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- The Central Michigan softball team split its doubleheader with MAC East-leading Kent State Friday afternoon, dropping the first game, 7-0, and winning the second, 4-0.
CMU now carries a record of 18-17 on the season, 6-4 in Mid-American Conference play.
"It was good for us to come back and get a win after a bad first game," CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "I'm really proud of the team for not giving up and working hard, fighting for the second game."
CMU pitcher Rachael Knapp, a sophomore, got the start in the circle in the first game, but had control troubles out of the gate and gave up two consecutive walks to start the first inning.
With two runners on base and no outs, Kent State (29-10, 8-3 MAC) took advantage of the early scoring opportunity by notching two RBI singles in the inning, taking a 2-0 advantage in the game.
The Golden Flashes added more pressure on the Chippewas in the fifth inning with five hits and five runs, extending their lead to 7-0.
Kent State pitcher Emma Johnson kept the Chippewas hitless for 6 2/3 innings, before pinch hitter Karly Hansen, a senior, broke up her no-hit attempt with a groundball single up the middle.
Johnson (15-5) struck out 10 and walked four in the win.
Knapp took her first loss in her last six appearances, dropping her season record to 11-7. She struck out six while walking four and allowing 10 hits.
Shelbi Tipton had three hits and three RBI for Kent State
"Defensively, we were error-free but still had some miscues in that first game," Jonker said. "I liked our effort in the field in the second game. We were able to clean up some of those mistakes."
Roles switched in game two as CMU collected 10 hits.
Freshman Hanna Warren struck out five in going the distance for the win. She allowed five hits, walked four in improving to 5-7.
"I think it was great that we were able to bounce back (after game one)," Jonker said. "Give Hanna Warren credit for a great game in the circle today for us to win the game, as well as other people getting hits.
"Seeing a different pitcher helped us offensively in the second game. (Kent State's) Emma Johnson was really on today in Game 1, and Ronnie Ladines, who is a very good pitcher but doesn't have quite the same pitches as Emma, came in the second game for Kent State and we were able to get a few hits.
"I thought we were a little cautious in Game 1, but we were more aggressive offensively in Game 2."
Landines (9-5) allowed 10 hits, walked three and struck out six in taking the loss.
The Chippewas drew first blood in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI double from Trista Cox, who finished with three hits.
After a triple to left field by freshman center fielder Sara Hansen in the fourth, senior Karly Hansen drove in her sister with an RBI single to center, extending CMU's lead to 2-0.
The Chippewas widened the advantage to 4-0 in the fifth inning on a Sara Hansen two-run single.
"Sara does a really nice job for us for a freshman," Jonker said. "I think she's very good and I'm just excited to see how much better she's going to get by the end of her career."
Katelyn Rentschler also finished with two hits for the Chippewas.
The Chippewas played error-free behind Warren.
"Defense is such a big factor in the outcomes of games, and when we do well defensively, we tend to win more games," Jonker said. "Defense seems to be one of the keys and we have to work on staying more consistent in that area."
The Chippewas continue their weekend homestand with a doubleheader against Buffalo (8-31, 0-10 MAC) at 1 p.m. Saturday.
CMU and the Bulls were scheduled to play single games on Saturday and Sunday, but moved to a Saturday doubleheader because of a rainy forecast for Sunday.
Saturday's alumnae and number-retirement festivities have been adjusted as well. Alumnae will be recognized between games of the doubleheader; the Pam Stanley No. 4 retirement ceremony will be held during the fifth inning of game one.
