Sports
Softball: Ohio Bests Akron Behind Big Fifth Inning
By: Jerod Scheetz
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The Bobcats opened up their two-game home series against Akron with a 9-7 victory this afternoon.
Akron tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the fifth after an RBI double from Brittany Maurer. Ohio (16-20, 5-4 MAC) responded with a five run fifth inning to pull away from the Zips.
Brooke Morgart hit a line drive double to left field to bring home two runs. Morgart would go on to score on a passed ball to put Ohio up 5-2. Raven King drew a walk and was on base when teammate Lauren Gellerman ripped a two-run home run to give Ohio a 7-2 lead after five.
Ohio scored two more runs in the bottom of the sixth after RBIs from Alyssa Wolfe and Alexis Joseph. The Bobcats entered the seventh and final inning with a comfortable 9-3 cushion.
However, Akron wasn’t ready to give in. The Zips made the game interesting, scoring four runs on four hits. With the score 9-7 and the winning run at the plate, Ohio pitcher Kaylin Clarke retired Crystal Hernandez on a flyout to left field to end the game.
Clarke (4-5) picked up the win for Ohio after coming on to replace Lauren McClary in the sixth inning. McClary went 5.1 innings and struck out four Akron batters.
Ohio finished with 10 hits, three coming from Jillian Van Wagnen.
Ohio takes on Akron again tomorrow. First pitch is scheduled for 1 pm.