April 7, 2012
Box Score
OXFORD, Ohio â€" Ohio Softball fought hard against the best pitching staff in the Mid-American Conference on Saturday, ultimately falling by a final score of 1-0. The ‘Cats held the RedHawks without a run for six and one-third innings but were ultimately edged by a late unearned run in the bottom of the seventh.
The Bobcats (15-17, 4-3 MAC) held Miami to only four hits in the game as freshman pitcher Lauren McClary (Pasadena, Texas) threw another very solid outing for the Green and White. McClary struck out seven and walked only three in the losing effort, facing 24 total batters.
Miami’s Jessica Simpson had a terrific day on the mound, striking out 12 Bobcat hitters while allowing only four hits of her own.
Ohio was able to register the first hit of the day thanks to an Alexis Joseph (Alvin, Texas) single up the middle during the first inning. Miami struck its first hit in the bottom of the second inning as McClary began the game on a strong note, retiring eight of the first nine batters she faced.
Miami (22-12, 5-2 MAC) had the first good scoring opportunity of the afternoon, loading the bases in the bottom of the third inning with a hit, an error and a walk. McClary was able to get out of this difficult situation, striking out Shanyn Mcintyre to end the threat.
Ohio’s best chance of the day came in the top of the fourth inning. Brooke Morgart (Wayne, Ohio) singled to right center to begin the inning. Raven King (Alpine, Utah) doubled to left center a few plays later, bringing a runner to third with one out. Simpson was able to retire the next two Bobcats to end the threat, however.
The RedHawks scored the decisive run of the contest in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kayla Ledbetter led the frame off with a double to left field. One sacrifice bunt later, Casey Drees walked to put runners on the corners. Kirstie Fehrenbach put the ball into play, ultimately allowing Brandi Hernandez (who was pinch-running for Ledbetter) to score the winning run on an infield error.
Ohio 0, Miami 1
WP: Jessica Simpson (14-10)
LP: Lauren McClary (9-10)
HR: None
The Bobcats will next be in action on Sunday, taking on the RedHawks once more. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. from Oxford.
