May 2, 2014

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#GrizzVision with Connie Miner

ROCHESTER, Mich. - Chelsea Carena hit 3-for-5 on the day with a triple and Erin Kownacki pitched a three hitter with no earned runs as Oakland (15-21, 4-7 HL) dropped a pair of contests to Detroit (7-39, 3-13) on a cold, cloudy day at the OU Softball Field. It marks the first time Oakland has lost both games of a doubleheader since April 9 at Central Michigan.

The first game of the doubleheader began as a pitcher's duel between the two sides until Oakland got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning as Shannon Cleveland drove Meghan Tangney in for the one-run advantage late in the contest. Detroit then answered in the top of the seventh inning on an untimely error for Oakland with the bases loaded to tie the game at 1-1. Another miscue by OU would allow a second run to cross the plate in the top of the seventh to allow the visitors the 2-1 lead.

The tying run was on the base paths when Carena earned a single up the middle to bring Erika Polidori to the plate, who would ground out to third base to end the game in favor of Detroit, 2-1.

In the nightcap, Detroit started things off quickly on a double to right center to score a run in the top of the first for the 1-0 early lead. The Titans then added two runs in the top of the third inning after a handful of singles to increase their margin to 3-0. Oakland gained a run back in the bottom of the sixth inning after Carena knocked a triple to center field and was able to score when Shauna Siwicki got on base from a Detroit miscue, making the score 3-1.

The Titans stepped to the plate in the top of the seventh and sent a solo shot over the left field fence which was followed up by a two-run homer two batters later, taking the score to 6-1. The Grizzlies were unable to find further offense in the game and the home team would drop its second decision of the day.

In the first game, Erin Kownacki threw all seven innings for the Golden Grizzlies giving up two runs on three hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. Laura Pond earned the start for the second game, pitching for 2.1 innings and gave up three runs on five hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Kaley Waalkes came in to pitch in the third inning and surrendered three runs as well on six hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.

Oakland begins its last regular season series of its 2014 campaign on Saturday when UIC visits for a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

#FightOakland