ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies delivered another outstanding pair of performances at home, holding Lawrence Tech scoreless on both ends of a doubleheader as Oakland improved to 14-1 at home on the strength of impressive pitching performances from
Kama Skrek, who in game one allowed just one hit in her start, and a no-hitter by
Jessica Nelson in game two.
GAME 1
The Golden Grizzlies shut out Lawrence Tech with a decisive 6-0 victory at OU Softball Field. The Golden Grizzlies' offense delivered five doubles and collected nine hits, while
Kama Skrek limited LTU to just three hits in the game.
The Golden Grizzlies jumped to an early lead in the first.
Storm Kentros kicked things off with a single up the middle, and
Addison Caldwell reached on a fielder's choice, eventually scoring on
Kayla Turmell's groundout.
Kenna Bommarito also crossed the plate after
Autumn Liebhauser doubled to center field. The Golden Grizzlies led 2-0 at the end of the first inning.
In the third inning, the Golden Grizzlies extended their lead. Kentros doubled to left field and scored on a muffed throw after Caldwell's single, making it 3-0.
The fifth inning saw the Golden Grizzlies' offense surge again. Kentros was hit by a pitch and later scored when Bommarito singled up the middle.
Alexa Kownacki, who pinch ran for Bommarito, advanced on a wild pitch and scored on Turmell's double. Liebhauser added another run with a double to right field, bringing Turmell home. The Golden Grizzlies led 6-0 at the end of the fifth inning.
The Golden Grizzlies maintained their defensive strength throughout, preventing LTU from scoring in all seven innings. The final score was 6-0.
Kama Skrek delivered one of her best performances on the mound, pitching the first shutout start of her career. She allowed only 1 hit over 6 innings, while not surrendering any runs. Skrek also recorded 2 strikeouts and issued just 1 walk. Impressively, Skrek remains undefeated with a 3-0 record this season.
Alyssa Balcom took over in relief, pitching the final inning and allowing 2 hits but maintained a scoreless frame. Together, the Golden Grizzlies' pitchers held the Blue Devils to no runs, showcasing effective control throughout the game.
Storm Kentros collected three hits and scored two runs, including two doubles, to lead the Golden Grizzlies' offense.
Kayla Turmell drove in two runs and added a double, contributing significantly to the scoring.
Addison Caldwell stole two bases, showcasing aggressive baserunning throughout the game.
GAME 2
The Golden Grizzlies secured a victory over LTU with a score of 2-0 behind a historical performance in the circle by
Jessica Nelson.
The scoring began in the second inning as
Jessica Nelson singled through the right side and stole second base.
Alyssa Balcom then singled up the middle, advancing Nelson to third.
Taylor Carraway grounded out to third base with a sacrifice bunt, allowing Nelson to score and putting the Golden Grizzlies ahead 1-0 by the end of the second inning.
In the fifth inning, Balcom tripled to right field. Carraway followed with a sacrifice fly to left field, bringing Balcom home to increase the lead to 2–0.
Jessica Nelson threw a no-hitter, a feat that hasn't been accomplished by an Oakland pitcher since 2009. She tossed 7 innings without allowing a hit, securing her fifth win of the season with a 5-2 record. Nelson struck out five batters and issued only two walks, maintaining control throughout the game. This achievement marked a significant milestone, as she recorded a no-hitter while contributing offensively with one run scored and one stolen base.
Alyssa Balcom contributed significantly at the plate with two hits, including a triple, and scored once.
Taylor Carraway drove in two runs, adding depth to the lineup with a sacrifice fly and a sacrifice hit. Kam Troyer made an impact with a hit in her at-bat, bolstering the team's offensive efforts.
In their next game, the Golden Grizzlies will kick off the Metro Series as they host Detroit Mercy on Friday, April 17 at 3 p.m. for the beginning of a three game series.
