March 7, 2009

Final Stats

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - It was another tough day for Ohio softball (7-8) Saturday, as it dropped its second game of the University of Louisville Tournament, 8-1, to Tennessee Tech (7-10).

For the second game in a row, the `Cats' were unable to get the offense they needed against a solid pitching effort from the opposition. Ohio managed just four hits off TTU's hurler. Four different players accounted for the Green and White's offense, led by sophomore Melissa Bonner (Kings Mills, Ohio), who finished 1-for-3 with an RBI triple. Freshman Alexis Zambrana (Alvin, Texas) scored the team's only run while picking up a single in three trips to the plate. Jordan Paden (Walla Walla, Wash.) and Paige Kemezis (Hackensack, N.J.) were the other `Cats that recorded hits.

After a scoreless first innining, TTU landed the first blow in the contest and plated three runs on a big three-run home run to take the 3-0 lead. Ohio had a chance in the bottom of the third after Zambrana singled and stole second with two outs, but the Blue Raiders responded to get the last out and spoil the `Cats' hopes. TTU added two more runs in the fourth and another in the top of the sixth to go ahead 6-0.

The Bobcats finally got on the board in the bottom half of the sixth frame when Bonner tripled to score Zambrana, who had reached on a fielder's choice. Unfortunately for Ohio, the Blue Raiders would not allow anything more and took the 6-1 lead into the seventh. After TTU put up two more in the top of the frame, the `Cats were unable to get anything in the bottom of the seventh as the game ended with the 8-1 win for TTU.

Ohio will look to extract a little revenge and get back on the winning track at the same time when it takes on Bradley once again. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. The `Cats will then wrap up the tournament when they battle No. 9 Michigan at noon.