ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Cleveland State softball team wrapped up its three-game series at Oakland Wednesday, splitting a pair of games against the Golden Grizzlies. Cleveland State picked up a 5-2 win in 10 innings during game one, then fell to Oakland, 3-1 in game two. The Vikings are now 15-28 overall this season and 8-10 in Horizon League play.
During the first game the Vikings got on the board early, scoring a run after just the second batter of the game. After Katelind Philipps reached on a catcher's interference, she was able to score on an Erica McNew double – her eighth of the season. The Golden Grizzlies were then able to even the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning, driving in a run following a pair of hits.
The two teams were then held scoreless over the next four innings, until the Vikings were able to break the tie in the top of the sixth frame.
Cleveland State's second run came from Emma Nicholas who was pinch running for McNew. After McNew reached base on a walk, Susan Knight was able to advance the runner to second base on a sacrifice bunt, while Nicholas was able to score on a Riley Ries single down the left field line.
Oakland was once again able to tie the score in the bottom of the seventh, forcing the game into extra innings.
It would take three additional frames for either team to break the tie, as the Vikings put three runs across the plate in the top of the 10th inning to claim the victory. Cleveland State got its three runs on a two-RBI single from Alyson Broschk and a RBI single from Mel Woodard.
Picking up the win for the Vikings was Kristin Catalano, improving to 5-0 on the season.
During the second game of the doubleheader, Cleveland State's lone run came in the top of the fourth inning when Woodard scored on a Kait Gairing single.
The Golden Grizzlies were able to put all three of their runs on the board during the sixth inning, and then held the Vikings scoreless in the next frame to pick up the 3-1 victory.
Mackenzie Joecken recorded the loss for Cleveland State in the circle, while McNew led the Viking offense with a 2-for-3 effort including her team-best ninth double of the year.
The Vikings will continue Horizon League play on the road this weekend, traveling to Detroit for a three-game series beginning with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 30. First pitch is slated for 2:00 p.m.
