The Muskingum softball team dropped its doubleheader at Ohio Northern on Friday afternoon in Ohio Athletic Conference action. The Polars Bears won the opener 3-2 and claimed the nightcap, 4-2.

The Basics

Records: Muskingum (17-7 Overall, 4-2 OAC), Ohio Northern (12-10 Overall, 3-3 OAC)

Location: ONU Softball Field – Ada, Ohio

 How it Happened – Game 1

• In the opening inning, Muskingum plated the first run of the game off a fielder's choice from Cara Taylor, jumping out to a quick 1-0 lead.
• Ohio Northern knotted the score at one apiece off an RBI single up the middle.
• The Polars Bears extended their lead 3-1 in the fourth off a two-run home run.
• Two Ohio Northern errors drew the Muskies within one run in the seventh. With two-outs and a runner on first, a single to left field from Kaitlyn Bibb looked to ignite a Muskie rally, but the Muskie base runner got thrown out trying to advance to third to end the game. The Polar Bears secured the 3-2 victory. 

Inside the Numbers – Game 1

• Muskingum scored two runs off five hits.
• Senior Hannah Smith suffered her first loss of the season after firing 4.0 innings of work and surrendered three runs off three hits. Smith also tallied four strikeouts.
• Freshman Kaitlyn Bibb led the Muskies at the dish going 2-for-2 and drew a walk.
• Freshman Taylor Stemmerding, junior Kalie Eshelman, and senior Carlee Lamacz each ended the contest with one hit apiece. Eshelman also finished with a stolen base.
• Ohio Northern was led by Allie Wilson who smacked a home run and tallied two RBIs.

 How it Happened – Game 2

• With two outs, the Polar Bears used back-to-back singles to set up a two-run RBI double to left center to take an early, 2-0 lead in the first. 
• The Muskies used a two-run, three-hit, fourth inning to even the contest at two apiece. Cara Taylor smacked an RBI double to left field, while Taylor Gallentine hit an RBI single to left field.
• Ohio Northern went on to plate the final two runs of the game in the fourth off a two-run RBI double to right field, to claim the 4-2 game two win. 

Inside the Numbers – Game 2

• Muskingum scored two runs off six hits and left seven on base.
• Junior Madelyn Thomas pitched 3.1 innings for the Muskies allowing four runs off nine hits and tallied three strikeouts.
• Hannah Smith tossed 2.2 innings of work allowing one hit and threw three strikeouts. 
• Senior Taylor Gallentine led the Muskies at the plate finishing 2-for-2 and an RBI.
• Freshman Cara Taylor added one hit and an RBI.
• Haley Hawk, Carlee Lamacz, and senior Sarah Piteo ended the outing with one hit.
• The Polar Bear offense was led by Callie Rosser who recorded two hits and two RBIs.

Up Next

• Muskingum is back in action on Wednesday, April 12, when they host Capital at Donna J. Newberry Field. First-pitch for game one is scheduled for 3PM.