Purple and Gold Blanked by Denison in Softball Action

GRANVILLE, Ohio – The Defiance softball team began its stretch of eight games in five days on Thursday, April 18. However, the start was not one that DC was hoping for, as it was shutout 6-0 and 1-0 in the non-conference doubleheader with the Denison Big Red. The Yellow Jackets fall to 11-15, while Denison bumps up to 17-11 on the season.

The offense could not find any rhythm in either of the tilts, as it would notch only four base knocks in each. DC was only able to put together a handful of scoring opportunities over both games and failed to convert on any.

At the plate, junior Macy Ferrall (St. Marys OH / Memorial) and freshman Makayla McAvoy (Mt. Gilead, OH / HS) were the only solid outings on the afternoon, as they each batted 2-for-5.

Starting pitchers Alli Rowland (Westerville, OH / Westerville North) and Lauren Dicke (Lima OH / Lima Shawnee) held their own through the first few innings of each game but the Big Red would eventually break through. The home squad got to Rowland in the first matchup with two runs in the fifth, and to Dicke in the second game with the lone run during the fourth frame. Those scores would be all Denison would need to walk off the field with the non-conference sweep.

On a positive note for the Jackets, freshman pitcher Katie Patchin (West Farmington, OH / Bristol Local) came on in relief in the second tilt to pitch two scoreless frames. This was her first appearance on the mound since March 28 when she injured her throwing shoulder in the doubleheader with St. Mary's College.

Defiance has tomorrow off before it takes to Sal Hench Field Saturday, April 20 for Senior Day against the Franklin Grizzlies. The first contest is slated to begin at 1 p.m.