Softball falls short in doubleheader at Alma

ALMA, Mich. - The Defiance College Softball team traveled to Alma College to take on the Scots in a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The Yellow Jackets dropped game one by a 6-0 score before, taking a tough 5-4 loss in the second game. 

In game one, the Yellow Jackets and the Scots were in a deadlock before Alma was able to manufacture a run in the bottom of the third inning. The Scots extended their lead throughout the remainder of the game to take the 6-0 victory. 

Senior Taylor Biggs started game one in the circle for the Yellow Jackets pitching 5.0 innings, surrendering six runs on ten hits while striking out six. Fellow senior Jennifer Kaffenbarger came in for relief in the sixth inning to face four batters, allowing two hits and no runs. 

In game two, the Scots struck first in the bottom of the second inning as they hit a two-run home run to take an early 2-0 lead. 

The Yellow Jackets answered back in the top of the third inning as Laney Grimwood drew a walk, and junior Kalin Hubble blasted one over the fence for a two-run home run to tie the game at 2-2.  

The sides remained at a stalemate until Alma strung together a few hits to plate two runs, taking a 4-2 advantage in the bottom of the fifth. Defiance responded with a run in the top of the sixth to make it a one-run ball game. 

Jen Nashalsky led the Yellow Jacket rally in the top of the seventh as she singled to left field. After a lengthy at-bat, Josilyn Guzman singles to left to put runners on first and second. DC loaded the bases, which allowed pinch-runner Genesis Brooks to score on a wild pitch to tie the game at 4-4.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Scots rallied with two outs to plate a run taking the 5-4 victory. 

The Purple and Gold looked to the depth of their pitching staff as they used three pitchers in game two. Savannah McCoy started on the mound pitching 4.1 innings, surrendering three runs on five hits. Riley Alcorn came in during the bottom of the fifth inning and allowed two runs on five hits before Defiance brought back Biggs in the bottom of the seventh. 

The Defiance registered nine hits to the Scots 11, and Hubble led the Yellow Jacket offense on the day, going four-for-six with a home run, two RBI, and one run scored. 

The Purple and Gold now sit at 2-7-1 overall on the season. Defiance is scheduled to be back in action tomorrow, Sunday, March 21, as they host Case Western Reserve University at the Sal Hench Field for a doubleheader. The first pitch is at 1:00 pm.