ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Golden Grizzlies tallied 16 total runs of offense in their final pair of games in the regular season, splitting the end of the series against Youngstown State.
GAME 1
The Golden Grizzlies fell in a close 11-10 contest to start the day. Despite a strong third inning with seven runs, the Golden Grizzlies could not hold off the Penguins' late five-run surge in the seventh inning.
Youngstown State took an early lead in the second inning with five runs, capitalizing on a fielding error and key hits. The score stood at 5-0 in favor of the Penguins after the second inning.
The Golden Grizzlies responded strongly in the third inning, scoring seven runs.
Brooklyn Wyczalek started with a single, followed by hits from
Alexa Kownacki and a key fielding error that loaded the bases.
Addison Caldwell's sacrifice fly brought in the first run, and
Maggie Murphy delivered a three-run homer. This impressive performance contributed to Murphy recording a season-high 4 runs batted in. Additional runs scored on another error, giving the Golden Grizzlies a 7-5 lead at the end of the third inning.
In the fourth inning, the Golden Grizzlies extended their lead. Murphy doubled, and
Annabel Power, pinch running, scored on
Kayla Turmell's triple.
Autumn Liebhauser's sacrifice fly added another run, bringing the score to 10-5 for the Golden Grizzlies by the end of the fourth inning.
YSU narrowed the gap in the sixth inning with a run, making it 10-6. In a dramatic seventh inning, the Penguins rallied for five runs, aided by a fielding error and a series of hits, ultimately overtaking the Golden Grizzlies with an 11-10 lead.
Maggie Murphy led the charge with two hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs.
Kayla Turmell contributed significantly with three hits, adding one double and one triple, while scoring twice.
Brooklyn Plitz was a key figure on base, scoring two runs and collecting two hits. Nelson pitched four innings, striking out three batters, despite taking the loss.
GAME 2
The Golden Grizzlies were able to exact revenge in the series finale, toughing their way to a 6-3 win.
In the first inning,
Brooklyn Plitz tripled to center field and scored on a double by
Maggie Murphy.
Addison Caldwell, who pinch ran for Murphy, scored when Kam Troyer doubled to left field. The Golden Grizzlies led 2-0 after the first inning. Notably, Plitz has recorded at least 2 hits in 4 straight games, continuing her impressive hitting streak.
The second inning saw further success for the Golden Grizzlies.
Alexa Kownacki was hit by a pitch, and
Alyssa Balcom followed with a two-run homer to center field. Plitz singled, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on another double by Troyer.
Kayla Turmell then singled to bring Troyer home. At the end of the second inning, the Golden Grizzlies were ahead 6-0. This marked the second consecutive game in which they scored at least 6 runs.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Penguins got on the scoreboard. With bases loaded, a walk brought in one run, and a single by Bottomlee drove in two more. Despite this effort, YSU's rally left them trailing 6-3 as the Golden Grizzlies maintained their lead.
The Golden Grizzlies' defense held firm in the seventh inning, sealing their 6-3 win over the Penguins.
Maraina Smith started on the mound for the Golden Grizzlies, pitching 1 1/3 innings without allowing a hit, run, or walk.
Mary Newton followed with 2/3 of an inning, maintaining the no-hit performance.
Alyssa Balcom earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing five hits, three runs, two of which were earned, along with three walks and posting a season-high total of three strikeouts.
Kama Skrek secured the save with a one-inning appearance, conceding one hit and no runs.
Brooklyn Plitz contributed to the game with two hits and two runs, adding a triple and a stolen base. Kam Troyer delivered two runs batted in and two doubles, finishing with two hits and a walk. Balcom provided power with a home run and two RBIs, while also pitching four innings, recording three strikeouts for the win. Skrek secured the save by allowing no runs in her inning of relief.
The Golden Grizzlies await Green Bay in the first round of the Horizon League Championships, beginning on Wednesday, May 6 at noon.
