May 11, 2007

Box Score

MIDLAND, Mich. - Deanna Hartsough hit a walk-off RBI single with two outs for a 2-1 Ohio win over defending MAC Champ Kent State in extra innings on day three of the 2007 Mid-American Conference Softball Tournament.

"I was thinking hit a low pitch," said Hartsough. "She had got me on the up one a couple of times so I was just thinking hit it low and over someone's head."

Hartsough finished the game 2-for-4.

Debbie Szalejko (Beavercreek, Ohio) scored the winning run after advancing to first on a walk and second on a single by Maureen McKelvey (Stow, Ohio).

"It really couldn't feel better to knock off the first seed," said Szalejko. "It's just an incredible feeling, especially for the seniors who have worked so hard and then to get a freshman come in and bring in the winning run is just an all-team effort."

Kent State took an early 1-0 lead with a run in the second inning.

Kelly Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) hit an RBI triple in the bottom of the fourth to put Ohio on the scoreboard for a 1-1 tie. Hartsough hit a single to center field with two outs and pinch runner Danielle Kelley (Franklin, Tenn.) scored from first base on the triple.

Both teams were scoreless by the end of regulation, forcing the game to go into extra innings.

Kent State had zero runs, one hit and left one on base in the top of the eighth, giving the Bobcats a chance to close out the game.

It is Kent State's second loss of the double elimination tournament and Ohio's second win. The Bobcats will face Eastern Michigan tonight at 7:30 p.m.

It is the fourth time Ohio and Eastern Michigan have matched up this season, with the Eagles leading the series, 3-0.

"We're going to bring it against Eastern Michigan," said Szalejko