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AKRON, Ohio – The Ohio softball team (14-14, 5-2 MAC) returned to action Tuesday afternoon (March 28) for the first game in the three-game series against Akron (14-12, 2-4 MAC), with Ohio securing game one, 7-3, at Lee R. Jackson Field. 
 
Overall, Ohio scored seven runs on seven hits and did not commit an error, while Akron scored three runs on 10 hits and committed one error. 
 
Individually, junior Yasmine Logan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) went 2-for-3 with a homerun, two RBI, two runs scored and drew a walk, while junior Annalia Paoli (Point Marion, Pa.) added a hit and two RBI. Sophomore Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) added a double and an RBI, and freshman Belle Hummel (Cincinnati, Ohio) had one hit, one RBI and scored three runs. Freshman Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) added a hit and a run scored, while junior Tori O'Brien (Mason, Ohio) had a hit for the Bobcats. Sophomore CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) drew a walk and scored a run. 
 
In the circle, redshirt freshman Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) got the start, pitching seven innings, allowing three runs on 10 hits, while walking four and striking out one. 
 
Akron attempted to take the lead in the bottom of the second inning, loading the bases with two outs. However, the Ohio defense was able to get the last batter to ground out, helping keep the game scoreless going into the third inning. 
 
Ohio struck in the top of the third inning. Westler led the inning off with a single and then moved third on a wild pitch and scored on a hit by Hummel. Moments later, Logan hit a two-run homerun to left, putting Ohio up 3-0 going into the bottom of the third. 
 
Akron got a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring one run on two hits, cutting the Ohio lead to 3-1 going into the fifth inning. The Bobcats got the run back and then some in the top of the fifth inning. After Keidel walked and Hummel reached on a fielder's choice, Logan drew a walk to load the bases. Moments later, Paoli singled to left, scoring Hummel and Keidel, giving Ohio a 5-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth. 
 
Akron cut into the Ohio lead in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the first four batters of the inning reaching base. After the Zips scored two runs on three hits, the Ohio defense was able to record the next three outs and help hold the Ohio lead at 5-3 going into the seventh inning. 
 
The Bobcats go the runs back in the top of the seventh inning. After O'Brien led the inning off with a single, Hummel reached on another fielder's choice and then stole second. After a single from Logan put runners on second and third with one out, a sacrifice fly from Paoli scored Hummel, setting up an RBI double from Hoffner, giving Ohio a 7-3 lead going into the final frame. 
 
Akron looked to rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, loading the bases with one out. However, the Ohio defense was able to force a runner out at home and get the final batter of the game to pop up to third, securing the Bobcats' 7-3 victory. 
 
Up next, the Bobcats wrap up the three-game series on Wednesday (March 29) with a doubleheader set to start at Noon at Lee R. Jackson Field. 
 
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