LONGWOOD, Florida – The Cleveland State Vikings softball team won both of their contests on Tuesday, March 10, first beating Ohio (6-1) before taking down Providence (3-2). The Vikings, who won their final game on Sunday, 2-0, against Pennsylvania, now have a three-game winning streak heading into Wednesday's matches.
Game One Recap:
After two scoreless innings, Ohio recorded the first run of the game. Cleveland State responded by scoring a run of its own in the bottom frame of the third inning off of a Gabby Shackelford single to right field, which scored Lindsay Ward.
The Vikings exploded for five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, beginning with a Mackenzie Tucker single, this time scoring Hallie Ward who got on base with a single. With Courtney Fernette on third base, Mackenzie Tucker on second and Aly Packish on third, Kelly Hysong stepped to the plate. The senior smashed a grand slam to left field, breaking the game wide open for the Vikings.
The Bobcats wouldn't score another run, as Hanna Griffin pitched a complete game, allowing one run in seven innings.
Game Two Recap:
Cleveland State jumped on the board first in its second game of the day, when Sydney Bajusz singled, scoring Kelly Hysong in the top of the first inning.
Cleveland State tacked on two more runs in the top of the second inning, when Aly Packish notched an RBI single, scoring Mackenzie Tucker and Lindsay Ward. Tucker reached first base on a single, while Ward reached first on an error by the centerfielder.
The Vikings maintained their 3-0 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth.
Providence wouldn't go away quietly, adding two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, only trailing Cleveland State by one run heading into the final inning.
The Vikings would hold off any Providence comeback by another stellar outing in the circle by Hanna Griffin. Griffin pitched another complete game, allowing two earned runs, while fanning six batters.
Up Next:
Cleveland State will be back in the diamond on Wednesday, March 11, facing off against LIU and Army West Point.