April 4, 2008

Box Score

OXFORD - The Miami RedHawks welcomed the Bowling Green Falcons to rainy Oxford today for a doubleheader with the conference rival.

Miami started the day jumping ahead of the Falcons in the bottom of the third inning. With runners in scoring position, freshman Meghan Mawn was able to put the ball in play, scoring senior Kimberly Williams from third putting the RedHawks up 1-0. With Halle Popson on third, and Breanna Robinson on first, sophomore Alicia Hogl singled through the left side, scoring Popson. Robinson was thrown out by the left fielder while trying to advance to third, ending the inning.

The Falcons immediately answered back in the top of the fourth inning, combining three walks, four hits and two errors to produce six runs. Miami was able to add another run in the bottom of the fourth, when sophomore Sarah Billstrom roped a homerun to left field. The RedHawks would not be able to score any more, and with the Falcons' final two runs in the seventh the score would stand at 8-3 with the Falcons taking the win.

Game two would prove to be a bit different. Both teams were scoreless until the top of the third, when an error allowed Zada Lines to score, putting the Falcons up 1-0. Miami did not waste any time, and immediately scored in the bottom of the third. With Popson on second base, freshman Meghan Mawn added another RBI to her tally for the day when she sharply singled to right-centerfield, tying the game 1-1.

In the top of the fourth, Senior Dawnjene DeLong homered with one runner on, allowing the Falcons to jump ahead of the RedHawks 3-1. With sophomore Alicia Hogl standing on third base in the bottom half of the fourth, senior Christine Bills laid down a perfect squeeze bunt, scoring Hogl.

After a solid defensive stop in the top of the fifth, the RedHawks would finally break the game wide open. Senior captain Halle Popson singled, and followed promptly with a stolen base. Freshman Meghan Mawn then doubled to right field, scoring Popson once again. With Robinson on first, and Mawn on third, sophomore Alicia Hogl ripped a double down the left field line, scoring two. Shortstop Sarah Billstrom then doubled to right center, scoring Hogl. Freshman Jenna McGivney would score Billstrom with her double to left field. The RedHawks had now added five runs, making the score 7-3.

With another solid inning of defense, the RedHawks would continue to succeed offensively. Freshman Kathryn Russette would lead off the inning with a walk, followed with a single from Popson. Mawn would reach on an error, also allowing Russette to score. With Mawn on second, and Popson on third, sophomore Alicia Hogl would earn a free pass to load the bases. Sarah Billstrom would single down the left field line, scoring Popson. Senior Christine Bills then singled to left field scoring Mawn. Freshman Jenna McGivney hit a deep fly ball to centerfield, allowing Hogl to tag up and score. Since the RedHawks were up by eight runs after five complete innings of play, Miami took the second game with a score of 11-3.

The RedHawks hope to carry this offensive power through tomorrow, as they host the Toledo Rockets at 2:00 p.m. at the Miami Softball Stadium. Saturday's game is also part of Youth Day at the park, as the RedHawks welcome the teams of Miami Little League. Come bring your friends and family to spend a day at the field!