Sports
Ohio Softball Wins, Clinches MAC Tournament Berth
By: Brad Friedman
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With a 7-3 victory over Central Michigan Saturday, Ohio Softball’s seniors have more to celebrate than their graduation; the Bobcats will be playing in the MAC tournament.
One of Ohio’s top seniors got things started early in the contest. Catcher Lauren Gellerman blasted her 23rd home run of the season in the bottom of the first to put the Bobcats (26-26, 9-12 MAC) on the board, 1-0.
The senior already holds the single-season record for home runs in MAC history.
Ohio starting pitcher Lauren McClary was working on a no-hitter until the top of the fourth. In the inning, McClary allowed the Chippewas (28-18, 14-7) to load the bases, and second baseman Britney Horan took advantage. Horan singled, scoring two and putting Central Michigan up, 2-1.
Freshman Savannah Jo Dorsey came in to relieve McClary to start the fifth.
Ohio responded in the bottom of the frame when senior Chelsea Hortman hit another solo home run (4) to left-center, tying the game at 2.
Both pitchers stood strong in the fifth, but the Chippewas regained the lead off of another Horan RBI single during the top of the sixth.
Down 3-2 going into the bottom of the frame, Ohio’s bats came alive against Chippewa pitcher Kara Dornbos.
Erin Lasley, Lauren Gellerman and Chelsea Hortman all reached base, loading the bases for Adrienne Gebele. Gebele was walked, scoring Lashley and tying the game at three.
Alexandria Basquez then came to the plate and cleared the bases, blasting a grand slam to left and putting the home squad up, 7-3.
Between Dorsey and McClary, Ohio allowed four hits and two earned runs. Dorsey earned the win and moved to 14-9 on the season. Dornbos is now 12-11 after picking up the loss.
Ohio and Central Michigan will meet again Sunday at 1 p.m., but the Bobcats can now pack their bags for Akron on Wednesday when the MAC tournament begins.