The Muskingum softball team swept Ohio Northern on Saturday at Donna J. Newberry Field. The Muskies won the opener in the bottom of the eighth with a bases loaded walk and took game two when freshman Amy Clark belted a two-run, two-out home run in the bottom of the seventh.
In game one, a two-out error in the bottom of the eighth opened the door for Muskingum to grab the 4-3 win. Junior Amber Bova doubled with one out and junior Kelly Martin reached on an infield error with two outs. Junior Jaclynn Hess walked to load the bases and sophomore Jessica Matthews walked to notch the game-winning RBI. Matthews ended the game with two RBIs.
Junior Fallon Gawry went 2-for-4 with one RBI and Bova, senior Hannah Reese and freshman Amy Clark all had a double.
Junior Sarah Browning started and went six innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits with four strikeouts. Freshman Haylea Debolt (2-0) earned the win after tossing two innings of one-hit ball.
Kirsten Lightel (11-2) took the loss after throwing 2.2 innings of relief and allowing one unearned run on two hits with three walks.
Jenna Hollar led the Polar Bears at the plate going 2-for-3 and Gia Saturday added a two-run home run.
In the nightcap, Clark belted a two-run, two-out home run to propel the Muskies to the thrilling 8-7 win. The blast scored freshman Payton Bevard who reached base earlier in the frame with one out on a fielding error by the shortstop.
Muskingum erupted for six runs on six hits in the bottom of the fourth to erase a 3-0 deficit. The scoring was highlighted by sophomore Alyxis Moore's pinch-hit, two-run home run and by junior Kelly Martin's three-run home run.
Senior Jessica Poff (2-0) got the win after pitching the final 1.2 innings and allowing two unearned runs on one hit.
Paige Ordean (4-4) suffered the loss in relief after allowing two unearned runs on three hits in three innings of work.
Kelly Sheridan led the Polar Bears (16-9, 7-5) with a two-run home run. Taylor Manahan and Tess Topp each had two RBIs too.
Muskingum (13-15, 4-6) next hosts Wilmington on Sunday, March 12. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
