ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies improved their record to 4-3 with a pair of decisive wins over the University of Michigan Dearborn behind sensational pitching performances from Kenna Bommarito and Jessica Nelson.

GAME ONE
 

The Golden Grizzlies secured a 3-0 victory over the University of Michigan-Dearborn at the OU Grizz Dome in a dominant shutout effort.

K. Bommarito delivered a complete-game shutout, her second of the season, striking out 11 batters and allowing just five hits.

Oakland secured the victory with a strong performance both offensively and defensively. The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with both teams unable to capitalize on early opportunities. In the fourth inning, Oakland took the lead when Brooklyn Plitz singled to left field, followed by a double from Kam Troyer that brought Plitz home. A sacrifice fly from Maggie Murphy allowed Troyer to score, giving Oakland a 2-0 advantage.

The team extended its lead in the fifth inning as Autumn Liebhauser singled to center field and was replaced by pinch runner Addison Caldwell. Caldwell advanced to third on a throwing error before scoring on another throwing error, pushing the lead to 3-0. Oakland's defense held firm throughout the game, with the pitching staff allowing only five hits and the defense keeping the Wolverines off the scoreboard. The final score was Oakland 3, Wolverines 0.

Kenna Bommarito delivered a commanding performance, pitching a complete game shutout over seven innings. She allowed just five hits and struck out 11 batters without issuing a walk, facing 25 batters in total. Bommarito's control and dominance on the mound were evident as she improved her record to 2-0, ensuring no runs crossed the plate.

Brooklyn Plitz contributed with three hits and one run scored. Kam Troyer added a double and registered one run and one RBI. Maggie Murphy drove in one run with a sacrifice fly.

Oakland closed out their home-opening doubleheader with a 4-3 victory over the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Oakland capitalized on two triples and a home run, while pitcher Jessica Nelson struck out 10 in a dominating performance.

In the first inning, Brooklyn Plitz's walk and subsequent steal set the stage for Oakland's initial breakthrough. Plitz scored when Kayla Turmell singled, advancing on a throwing error, giving Oakland an early 1-0 lead.

The third inning saw both teams exchanging runs. Addison Caldwell's solo home run to center field tied the game after the Wolverines had taken the lead with a three-run inning, highlighted by a home run from Potter. Later in the inning, Kam Troyer tripled and scored on a throwing error, pushing Oakland ahead again.

In the fourth inning, Oakland added another run to its tally. Maggie Murphy, who entered as a designated hitter, hit a triple to right field, driving in Alyssa Balcom, who had reached base with a single and stole second. This provided Oakland a 4-3 advantage.

Oakland's pitching and defense were effective throughout the remainder of the game, holding the Wolverines scoreless. The fifth and sixth innings featured a string of strikeouts from Nelson, who came in as a relief pitcher in the third inning. The final inning did not alter the score, sealing the victory for Oakland.

Mary Newton pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and three runs, with two of those runs earned. She recorded one strikeout and did not issue any walks, facing 12 batters. Nelson entered in relief and delivered an outstanding performance, pitching 4 2/3 innings without conceding a hit or run. Nelson struck out nine batters, allowed two walks, and faced 16 batters, securing the win for Oakland.

Addison Caldwell hit a home run, scoring one run and collecting one RBI. Kam Troyer contributed with a triple, driving in one run and scoring once. Maggie Murphy also delivered a triple, adding an RBI in her only at-bat.

Up next for Oakland is a face-off against Lourdes University on Friday, Feb. 20. The game will take place at Oakland Softball Field in Rochester, Michigan, with the first pitch at 11 a.m.