Central Michigan University
Eastern Michigan
Chippewas Rebound To Split Twinbill, Win Series
4/30/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Game 1 Box Score Game 2 Box Score
James Youness, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Rachel Knapp pitched a two-hitter in leading the Central Michigan softball team to a 1-0 victory on Saturday over Eastern Michigan in the nightcap of a Mid-American Confrence doubleheader at Margo Jonker Stadium.
The Eagles won the opener 5-2. CMU, which took Friday's series opener, 7-6, won the series and stands 22-24-1 overall, 9-10-1 MAC. Eastern Michigan is 19-29, 9-11.
The Chippewas go to Northern Illinois next week to conclude the regular season with a three-game series against the Huskies. CMU is one of five nine-win teams harboring hopes of a berth in the conference tournament heading into the final week of the regular season.
Knapp (13-12) struck out four and walked four in going the distance Saturday in game two.
The Chippewas scored the game's lone run in the first inning. Lacy Tolfree drew a lead-off walk, went to second on a Sara Hansen single, took third on a groundout, and scored on Maison Kalina's sacrifice fly to right field.
Hansen and Rachel Vieira led the Chippewas' seven-hit attack with two each. CMU stranded eight base runners.
"The second game was a great defensive game for us," CMU coach Margo Jonker said. "Knapp pitched extremely well. We got runners on, we just couldn't get them in. It's been a problem that we've had a lot this year and we have to do a better job of executing."
Nicolle Miranda (9-17) struck out one and walked one in taking the loss.
The Eagles seized the early lead in the opener, scoring in the first inning on a passed ball. Michelle Kriegshauser and Katy Wyman each hit two-run homers for the Eagles.
Miranda went the distance for the Eagles allowing two runs on four hits in securing the game-one victory.
Sydney Heath singled and doubled to lead CMU at the plate. Maison Kalina and Rachel Vieira each singled. Heath had a run-scoring single and Erika Underwood picked up an RBI when she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
Hanna Warren (7-9) pitched 5 2/3 innings allowing five runs on four hits in taking the game one loss. Laura Vaccaro worked 1 1/3 innings in relief.
The Chippewas were without senior shortstop CarolAnn Sexauer, who was injured in Friday's game.
