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GREENSBORO, N.C. — Ohio softball (3-4) returned to action today (Feb. 16) at the Spiro Classic hosted by UNC Greensboro. The Bobcats were 2-0 on the day, winning in both games 4-3. Ohio overcame a late comeback from Sacred Heart and used a Tori O'Brien walk-off to defeat Drexel.
GAME ONE: Ohio 4 - Sacred Heart 3
The Bobcats started the Spiro Classic on the right foot, using a four-run second inning to take down Sacred Heart (0-2). Ohio scored their four runs on ten hits compared to the Pioneers' three runs on five hits. Neither team recorded an error in the field.
Individually, Ohio was led by redshirt sophomore pitcher Skipp Miller (Bradford, Ohio). Miller pitched a complete game, taking a no-hitter into the fifth inning while striking out seven and allowing three runs.
At the plate, junior CiCi Keidel (Hilliard, Ohio) got the Bobcats on the board first with a two-RBI triple, the third of her career. Senior Yasmine Logan (Pittsburgh, Pa.) recorded a three-hit day. She had two RBI of her own, with a two-run double just after Keidel. Sophomore Shelby Westler (Marion, Ohio) also had a three-hit performance including a double.
Skipp Miller kept the Pioneers out of the scoring column until a solo home run into center field gave Sacred Heart their first hit of the game. In the seventh inning, Sacred Heart added two more runs, closing the deficit to just one. However, Miller was able to induce a ground out and secure the second win for the Bobcats this season.
GAME TWO: Ohio 4 - Drexel 3
Ohio picked up their second win of the day with a late comeback and walk-off to take down the Drexel Dragons (0-6). Ohio had four runs on eight hits, while Drexel had scored three on 11 hits and recorded an error.
Offensively, three Bobcats had multi-hit performances. Sophomore Austy Miller (Bradford, Ohio) scored the game-winning run and was 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI double. Junior Emma Hoffner (New Stanton, Pa.) was also 2-for-4 while Keidel was 2-for-3 and a double, her second extra-base hit of the day. Junior Lauren Yuhas (West Mifflin, Pa.) was 1-for-3 and batted in the Bobcats first run of the game. In her lone at bat, senior Tori O'Brien (Mason, Ohio) picked up the walk-off RBI with a fielder's choice up the middle.
In the circle, junior starting pitcher Ellie Greene (Attica, Mich.) allowed one run in one inning pitched. Sophomore Keegan Moore (South Point, Ohio) entered in the second. The sophomore pitched three innings, allowing two while picking up two strikeouts. Freshman Mikie Lieving (New Haven, W. Va.) picked up the first win of her collegiate career. Lieving pitched three scoreless innings and struck out one to hold off the Dragons.
The Bobcats fell behind in the opening frame with a single to the left side. Ohio would respond in the second inning behind an RBI single from Yuhas. In the fourth inning, Drexel added two more, taking a 3-1 lead. Ohio would get one back in the fifth inning with Austy Miller's RBI double which scored senior Annalia Paoli (Point Marion, Pa.).
Entering the bottom of the seventh inning down 3-2, the Bobcats quickly put the pressure on the Dragons. Ohio loaded the bases with just one out. Hoffner scored Paoli with a single up the middle, allowing O'Brien to pinch hit. O'Brien put the ball in play, Austy Miller came home from third base and scored, giving Ohio the 4-3 win.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats will return to action in the Spiro Classic with another double-header tomorrow (Feb. 17). Ohio will start with a second matchup with Sacred Heart at 10:00 a.m. They will then face off with the hosts, UNC Greensboro (3-5) at 12:30 p.m.
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