Softball Splits with Bluffton in HCAC Opener

DEFIANCE, Ohio – After a ten day hiatus, the Defiance College softball team was finally back in action this afternoon, taking on Bluffton University in their HCAC opener at the Sal Hench Field. They would split with the Beavers, falling 4-3 in game one before winning game two 6-2.

Michaela Bauer earned the first run in game one as Arianna Richards placed a double perfectly between left and center, providing an opportunity for Bauer to touch home.

The Beavers responded with a solo homerun in the top of the third to level the score at one apiece. With bases loaded they would follow it with a second run in the fourth on a walk.

The Yellow Jackets weren't down for the count yet, however, equalizing in the bottom of the sixth. Mariah Huff kicked off the inning with a single to right field before Bauer came up to bat, lifting a single to center field to score pinch runner Ely King.

With the score tied at 2-2, the contest would go into extra innings, where Bluffton would gain the advantage taking the 3-2 lead on an RBI single to center. Defiance started the eighth with a lead-off double from Brooke Gostomsky, putting the tying run on third with one out. But they would be unable to counter the Beavers advantage, falling 4-3.

The Yellow Jackets came out in game two with renewed concentration. Huff started the fire with a lead-off solo homerun to deep right center, giving DC the 1-0 lead. Later that inning, Arianna Richards would go on to take advantage of a passed ball, stealing home to put Defiance up 2-0.   

DC continued to build their lead with a quartet of runs in the bottom of the fourth. Emma Perry would reach on an error by third base before advancing to second on a miscued throw while King and Gostomsky both touched home plate on the mistake. Another pair of runs would go on to score on a Jordan Osborne double to the left center hole, making it 6-0.

 After five quiet innings, the Beavers finally tallied two runs in the fifth but it would not be enough to overcome their four-run deficit and DC would end the day in a split, winning game two 6-2.

The Purple and Gold resume conference action with a pair of games on Saturday, April 7 as they host Mt. St. Joseph at the Sal Hench Field. First pitch of the double header is set for 1:00 PM.