The Muskingum softball team swept John Carroll in their Ohio Athletic Conference opener on Sunday afternoon. The Muskies blasted three home runs en route to a 6-2 game one victory and won game two in thrilling fashion, 1-0.

 The Basics:

Records: Muskingum (14-4 Overall, 2-0 OAC), John Carroll (10-6 Overall, 0-2)

Location: Donna J. Newberry – New Concord

Notables

• The contest marked the OAC opener for both teams.

 How it Happened – Game 1

• Muskingum opened the scoring with a solo home run to left field from Claire Guilliams to take an early 1-0 in the first inning.
• The Muskies plated two more runs in the second, capitalizing off a Blue Streak throwing error and a ground out from Kaitlyn Bibb to take a 3-0 lead.
• John Carroll cut its deficit off two sacrifice flies to draw within one run in the fourth. 
• Muskingum added to their lead, this time off a two-run home run from Sarah Piteo. The Muskies led 5-2 after five innings of play.
• Muskingum plated their sixth and final run of the game in the sixth off a solo home run from Haley Hawk, to secure the 6-2 game one victory. 

 Inside the Numbers

• Muskingum plated six runs off seven hits.
• Senior Hannah Smith got the start in the circle for Muskingum giving up two hits and two runs. Smith pitched a complete game and fired eight strikeouts and improves to 9-0 on the year. 
• Senior Haley Hawk led the Muskingum offense going 2-for-3 at the plate notching a home run and one run scored.
• Seniors Sarah Piteo and Claire Guilliams both tallied a home run. Piteo finished with a run scored and two RBIs, while Guilliams had one run scored and an RBI.
• Junior Rosie Hayes and senior Carlee Lamacz ended with one hit apiece, while freshman Kaitlyn Bibb added an RBI to pace the Muskie bats.
• Kaylyn Odelli and Jess Lichota led the Blue Streak offense each chipping in an RBI.
• Danielle Orendi was dealt the loss in game one after allowing three runs off four hits.

How it Happened – Game 2

• After six scoreless innings, the Muskies plated the games lone run off a passed ball. The seventh inning rally was ignited by Sarah Piteo who led the inning off with a single to left field. A Blue Streak throwing error off to what looked to be a sacrifice bunt attempt placed Muskie runners in scoring position with no outs. 

Inside the Numbers

• Muskingum finished with one run off three hits.
• Junior Madelyn Thomas pitched phenomenal to secure her fifth win of the year. Thomas fired five strikeouts and only allowed one hit in the shutout victory. 
• Sarah Piteo finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.
• Freshman Cara Taylor ended the contest with one hit.
• Maddie Traub led the John Carroll bats with one hit.
• Brianna Callow was dealt with her first loss of the season after throwing a complete game and allowed one run off three hits for the Blue Streaks.

 Up Next

• Muskingum hits the road on Tuesday, April 4, to take on Wilmington in OAC action. First-pitch is scheduled for 3PM at WC Softball complex.