ROCHESTER, Mich. – Sophomore
Morgan Gilbert knocked in the winning run in the eighth inning of game two to seal a midweek doubleheader split with Oakland on Wednesday afternoon, 3-2. The IUPUI softball team dropped the first game of the doubleheader in six innings, 8-0.
IUPUI (11-36, 8-15 HL) traveled to Rochester to face Oakland (21-14, 16-6 HL) in the Wednesday doubleheader. The Jags dropped game one in six innings, 8-0.
The Golden Grizzlies scored four runs on four hits in the bottom of the first inning to take the early 4-0 lead over the Jags. The extended their lead to 6-0 in the bottom of the fifth frame with two runs on two hits then sealed the walk-off win in the bottom of the sixth with two runs on two hits.
Oakland outhit the Jags in game one, 9-3.
Victoria Sivert went 2-for-2 while
Jaylin Calvert recorded a hit.
Isabelle Waggner (L, 3-5) took the loss on the mound giving up eight runs (two unearned) on nine hits in 5.1 innings of work.
After the 8-0 loss, the Jags rallied to earn the 3-2 victory in game two. IUPUI took the lead in the top of the fourth frame with two runs on three hits.
Jaida Speth led the inning off with a single up the middle.
Amber Pagan doubled down the left field to put runners at second and third.
Kasie Keyes hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Speth then Gilbert singled to second base to score Pagan.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Golden Grizzles tied the game at 2-2 with two runs on two hits. IUPUI wasted no time and retook the lead in the top of the eighth with one run on two hits. Pagan hit a leadoff single to left field followed by
Abbey Haas who reached on a fielder's choice. Keyes then singled to load the bases with no outs. Gilbert grounded out to second base which scored Pagan to give the Jags the 3-2 lead.
Madison Bryant (W, 6-18) gave up a leadoff single in the bottom of the eighth inning but recorded the next three outs to clear the bases and seal the 3-2 victory.
Pagan went 2-for-2 with two runs and a double while
Jaida Speth went 2-for-3 with one run. Gilbert recorded a hit and two RBI while Keyes recorded a hit and one RBI. Bryant earned her sixth win of the season giving up just two runs (one unearned) on seven hits with two strikeouts.
IUPUI will close out their season this weekend when they travel to UIC for a three-game series. They face the Flames on Friday at 2:00 PM and Saturday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.