May 7, 2010

Game 1 Box Score Game 2 Box Score

OXFORD, Ohio - Emily Wethington tied Ohio's single-season home run record, but the `Cats were unable to slow down a hot-hitting Miami squad as the RedHawks stole a doubleheader, 4-0 and 7-2, Friday afternoon at the Miami Softball Stadium.

After putting up a sizzling offensive output last weekend, Ohio (18-29, 13-7 MAC) was unable to get the offense it needed. Miami (29-22, 12-8 MAC), meanwhile, tallied a combined 17 hits on the day to just seven for the Green and White.

The RedHawks took advantage of big third inning, scoring all four of its runs en route to their game-one win. Miami's Jessica Simpson kept the `Cats' hot-hitting offense off balance, scattering just three hits in the contest and not allowing a player to advance past first base.

Emily Wethington (New Palestine, Ind.), Candace Saucedo (Ontario, Calif.) and Sara Clark recorded Ohio's hits. The Green and White hit the ball sharply, but were unable to catch the breaks it needed as many were hit right to people. Wethington (7-12) took the loss in the circle for the `Cats, tossing three innings and giving up four hits while striking out two. Saucedo turned in a solid effort in relief, giving up two hits in three scoreless innings.

The `Cats came out fighting to start the second game and took an early 1-0 lead. Paige Kemezis (Hackensack, N.J.) reached on an error with one out and later advanced to third on a single from Shalene Petrich (Chehalis, Wash.). Kemezis then came in on a sacrifice fly from Wethington.

Ohio's lead would not last long as Miami came roaring back in the bottom of the first with five big hits that resulted in three runs, capped off by a two-run double from Alicia Hogl. The RedHawks took advantage of a costly `Cat miscue in the second with an unearned run to go ahead 4-1.

Wethington tied the school's single-season record in the top of the third with her eighth homer of the year to left center to make it 4-2. Miami took advantage of a big three-run homer from Sarah Billstrom in the bottom of the fourth to go ahead 7-2.

After quiet fifth and sixth frames, Ohio managed to put runners on first and second with a pair of walks in the seventh, but it would ultimately come to naught as the RedHawks put the `Cats down to complete the sweep.

Wethington drove in two runs to pace the Green and White in game two, while Melissa Bonner (Kings Mills, Ohio), Petrich and Clark all went 1-for-3. Saucedo (1-4) was credited with the loss in the circle, giving up three runs in just a third of an inning of work.

Ohio will look to bounce back as it heads to Muncie, Ind. to battle Ball State Saturday and Sunday. First pitch tomorrow is set for 2 p.m.