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ATHENS, Ohio – The Ohio softball team (25-18, 15-6 MAC) returned to action Tuesday afternoon defeating Toledo (18-23, 11-12 MAC), 2-1, in game one of a three-game series at the Ohio Softball Field. 

Overall, Ohio scored two runs on seven hits and committed zero errors, while Toledo scored one run on three hits and committed zero errors. 

Individually, freshman Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) led the Bobcats with two RBIs and recorded the only home run of the game, while senior Alexis Dawe (??Valley Springs, Calif.) drew two walks. Freshman Belle Hummel (Cincinnati, Ohio) added two base hits for the Bobcats. 

In the circle, redshirt freshman Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio) got the start, pitching seven innings, allowing one run, one earned, on three hits, while walking zero and striking out five.

After a scoreless first inning from both Ohio and Toledo, the Bobcats attempted to get a run in at the bottom of the second inning. Wrestler hit a single down the left field line, advancing junior Sydney Grein (Mokena, Ill.) to second after drawing a walk. Sophomore CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) reached first on a fielder's choice, taking Westler out at second and advancing Grein to third. Ohio had runners on first and third with two outs, however, the Bobcats were unable to capitalize, going into the third with the game still tied at 0-0. 

Toledo struck in the top of the fourth inning, putting runners on first and third with one out. Off a wild pitch, Toledo was able to score the first run off the game, giving the Rockets a 1-0 lead.

The Bobcats responded quickly at the bottom of the fourth inning; after sophomore Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) reached first on a single into left field, Westler hit a home run scoring her and pinch runner Emily Walker (Plain City, Ohio), giving Ohio a late 2-1 lead. 

The Bobcats threatened in both the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings, putting five runners on, however, the Toledo defense was able to hold Ohio off the board. Then over the remainder of the game, the Ohio defense and Miller were able to keep the Rockets off the bases, securing the 2-1 victory. 

Up next, the Bobcats return to action on Wednesday, April 26  for a doubleheader with Toledo starting at 1 p.m. at the Ohio Softball Field. 

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