DC Softball Split Games in Florida

KISSIMMEE, FLA.  --  The Defiance College softball team earned a split falling to Baldwin Wallace University, 3-1, but defeating Widener (Pa.) University, 5-3, at the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla.

In the first game against BW, Baldwin Wallace (3-2) scored a pair of runs in the top of the second inning and then added another run in the third to lead 3-0 early.  Defiance (3-3) cut into the deficit with a run in the bottom of the third on a defensive error that allowed freshman Jordan Osborne (Delaware/Rutherford B. Hayes) to score from first base.  

The lone DC run in the third would turn out to be the final run of the game as Baldwin Wallace hung on for the 3-1 victory.

Defiance had four hits in the game, all by different players.  Sophomore Keri Hupp (Louisville) and senior Megan Pleskovic (Strongsville) both finished one-of-two.  Sophomore Kaity Kuhn (Celina) and freshman Jackie Hartman (Parma/Padua Franciscan) both went one-of-three.

Sophomore Sarah Kaya (Lorain/Clearview) started the game on the mound and pitched two innings allowing three runs, two earned, on four hits.  She would also be credited with the loss and is now 2-2 overall for the season.  Sophomore Sydni Smith (Jackson, Mich./Lumen Christi) pitched the final five innings giving up no runs on five hits and struck out one batter.

In the nightcap against Widener, the DC offense found better success at the plate with 10 hits and began the scoring with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning on a two-RBI single by Hupp.  Widener came back with a run in the bottom of the first and a run in the second to even the game at 2-2.

The Yellow Jackets regained the lead in the third with two more runs thanks to a solo homerun by Hartman, her first collegiate homer, and a RBI-single by Pleskovic to make the score 4-2.  Defiance then added an insurance run in the fifth on a lead-off solo homerun by Hupp, her first of the season, to increase the margin to 5-2.  

Widener looked to rally going into the bottom of the seventh inning and would have two runners on base.  The Pride then tallied a run as part of three straight singles to make it a 5-3 ball game.  The run would come with two outs and the DC defense recorded the game-ending out following the run-scoring single to seal the 5-3 win.

Two DC players recorded multi-hit games in Pleskovic and Hupp who both went two-of-three.  Pleskovic also added a RBI and Hubb added two runs scored and three RBI.  Six other Yellow Jacket players each had a base hit in the win.

Smith started at pitcher against Widener and pitched two complete innings giving up two runs, one earned, on six hits.  Freshman Jamie Kimbler (Huber Heights/Wayne) pitched the final five innings and allowed just one run on five hits to claim her first win of the season.

Defiance will have its "off day" tomorrow and will resume its schedule on Thursday, Mar. 10 with a pair of games beginning with a matchup against Beloit (Wisc.) College at 9 a.m.  The Jackets will then take on Farmingdale (N.Y.) State College at 1:30 p.m.