March 10, 2007
Box Score
ATHENS, Ohio - The Ohio softball team won its pool at the Winthrop Adidas Invitational and will compete in the championship round tomorrow in Rock Hill, S.C. Today the Bobcats defeated Winthrop, 3-1, in an early game and then College of Charleston, 6-4, in the afternoon.
The wins bring Ohio to a 9-8 overall record and extend the Bobcats' win streak to five games. The `Cats have won all their games so far in the tournament, defeating South Carolina State and College of Charleston on yesterday in addition to the two wins today.
In game one, the Bobcats scored all three of their runs in the top of the fourth inning. Debbie Szalejko (Beavercreek, Ohio) and Shalene Petrich (Chehalis, Wash.) were batted in by Kristen Salvatore (Kirtland, Ohio) who advanced on a pitching error. Salvatore scored three batters later on a RBI single from Kelly Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.).
Michelle Sauter (Chehalis, Wash.) gained her third win of the tournament, pitching five innings and allowing only one run, she struck out two batters. Candace Saucedo (Ontario, Calf.) also worked in the circle for two innings, she struck out one batter and allowed one hit.
The Bobcats were first on the scoreboard in game two, scoring two runs in the top of the third. Petrich scored after stealing third and Amanda Sacks (Chugiak, Alaska) batted her in. Sacks scored the next run after Marian Davis (Brighton, Mich.) reached first on another fielding error.
Ohio scored another run in the top of the fifth inning to pull ahead 3-0. Szalejko scored the run after leading off the inning with a double to center. She then advanced to third on a passed ball and was batted in by Petrich. The Cougars scored one run in its half of the inning, making the score 3-1.
Ohio scored again in the sixth with a run from Courtney Waters (Eagle River, Alaska). Waters singled at bat, stole second and third, then scored on throwing error. The run pulled Ohio up 4-1 but the Cougars made a comeback and tied it up, 4-4, with three runs in the bottom of the sixth.
The Bobcats caped off the night with a two RBI home run by Davis in the top of the seventh. Davis finished the game with a team-high three RBI while Meagan McCutcheon (Mogadore, Ohio) was 2-for-3.
Natalie Armstrong (Murrysville, Pa.) took the win for Ohio in game two, pitching 2.2 innings, allowing only one hit, zero runs and striking out three batters.
"We bounced back through adversity well today," said Head Coach Jill Matyuch. "Overall, we swung the bats well and our defense played solid. Our pitching staff had a great day and we got two strong starts and two tough closes. We are excited to be in the championship round of the tournament tomorrow."
