April 10, 2010

Box Score

Game 1 Box | Game 2 Box

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Sophomore Kelsey Krych recorded three hits and junior Alyssa Deacon smashed a double in the nightcap, but it wasn't enough to get the offense ignited as the Oakland University softball team (13-25, 5-7 Summit League) fell by scores of 3-0 and 4-0 to North Dakota State (22-19, 7-5 Summit League) in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon at the OU Softball Field.

The Golden Grizzlies threatened to score early in the bottom of the first inning in game one when Krych singled to right field, but she was then caught stealing for the first time in 26 attempts this season. The Bison would then get on the board in the third when Taylor Mortensen singled to left field and was able to advance to second after the third baseman misplayed a bunt, putting two runners in scoring position. A sacrifice fly and a single would bring those two players home to bring the score to 2-0.

OU once again found themselves with a chance to score in the fifth inning when freshman Alivia Nikolaus singled, then advanced to second on a passed ball. Krych recorded another single and junior Danielle Peters was then walked, loading up the bases for senior Katie Dreyer. But Dreyer was unable to bring them home, as she flied out to right field to retire the side.

The Bison scored their final run of the game in the sixth inning after Nicole Rivera stole second and third base and was brought home by a Brea Konz double to run the score up to 3-0. The Golden Grizzlies were unable to score with two runners on the bottom of the seventh, thus leaving the game at its 3-0 decision.

Junior Marisa Everitt (4-7) was the pitcher of record, as she allowed five hits and three runs, two of them earned. She walked two batters and struck out six in seven innings. Whitney Johnson earned the win, allowing four hits, four walks and fanning 10 batters. OU had no runs off four hits with one error, while NDSU scored three runs off five hits, committing no errors.

In game two, after taking a 2-0 lead after four innings, Rivera once again got herself in prime scoring position when she stole second and third base for the Bison, and was bought home on a Laurel Pipkin double. Maryssa McKenzie added a double of her own to drive Rivera home to give the visiting team the 4-0 lead.

The Golden Grizzlies made some noise in the sixth inning, however, when Deacon hit a two-out double, and then advanced on an error by the third baseman. But senior Audrey Sabourin was unable to drive in the run, as she struck out swinging to end the threat. Johnson recorded three strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 4-0 final score.

Sophomore Brittany Doyle (8-12) was charged with the loss, after allowing four earned runs off nine hits and striking out three batters in three innings of work. Johnson (16-13) recorded her third straight shutout, scattering six hits and fanning eight batters in all seven innings. Oakland scored no runs off six hits with two errors, while NDSU scored four runs off 11 hits and committing two errors of their own.

The Golden Grizzlies are next scheduled to hit the road to square off against IPFW on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17 for a three-game series. First pitch on Friday is slated for 3 p.m. and can be followed on Gametracker at www.ougrizzlies.com.

-30-