Sports
Ohio Softball opens series against Akron with victory on a rainy Tuesday
By: Reese Thompson
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — On a rainy Tuesday afternoon, the Ohio Bobcats faced fellow MAC rival Akron for the start of a three-game homestand.
Despite a 50-minute rain delay, Ohio headed into the game hoping to keep climbing up the MAC standings. The Bobcats did just that with a 2-1 victory.
Overall, Ohio scored two runs on four runs and did not commit an error, while Akron scored one run on six hits and committed two errors.
Mackensie Kohl (8-10) got the start for the Bobcats and pitched the entire duration of the entire game, allowing only one run on six hits, struck out six, and allowed one walk.
“I think it’s really important, especially coming off a weekend beating Miami, kind of focusing on playing the game, not changing it. Keeping consistency with our hitting, defense, pitching, and all working together,” Kohl said.
Tori Walker opened the scoring in the second with a single and later advanced to second on an error, scoring Annalia Paolia.
The Zips evened things up in the third when Lexi Campbell doubled to right field, scoring the tying run.
The rain layed off in the bottom of the third inning and Yasmine Logan took advantage of that. She hit a double to right field to allow Allie Englant to score the second run for Ohio, putting it ahead 2-1.
After a few innings of no action, the Zips threatened with a double by Lexi Campell followed by a single from Megan Cotton, loading the bases. Kohl slammed the door however with a strikeout.
Ohio had some timely defense as MAC c0-player of the week Annalia Paoli made a diving stop at third and threw out the runner at first to preserve the lead.
“That was awesome,” Kohl said of Paoli’s play. “I mean, the first thing I said was way to have my back because that’s a hard-hit ball. She makes a defensive play like that, and she’s able to help me out and save a run.”
Ohio (11-17, 5-4 MAC) now faces the Zips (10-20, 5-4 MAC) in a doubleheader to finish out their three-game series. Due to the weather forecast, the twin bill was moved up to 11 a.m.