Birmingham, AL-The Cleveland State softball team split two games at the UAB Green and Gold Classic Saturday. The Vikings fell to Louisiana-Monroe 5-1 in the opening game and came back to defeat Butler in game two, 3-2.
In the opening game, the Warhawks scored three runs in the first inning and single runs in the third and fourth to open up a 5-0 lead. The Vikings responded with a single run in the top of the 5th on a Meridith Rankl RBI single. The Vikings tallied seven hits on the day, but could only push one run across.
In game two, CSU got off to a fast start scoring two in the top of the first inning and one more in the third to take a 3-0 lead.
Becky Hurosky got the inning started with an RBI single, scoring Jenna Deang. Two batters later, a bases loaded walk forced in a second run to make it 2-0 Cleveland State.
In the third, Becky Hurosky reached on an error and made her way into scoring position. That set the table for Emma Gilkerson who singled to left field, scoring Hurosky for the third run of the game.
Butler mounted a comeback attempt, scoring single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to draw within one. Melissa Holzopfel was able to shut the door and secure the second win of the season for the Vikings. Holzopfel went the full seven frames, allowing six hits and two earned runs. Holzopfel struck out seven in earning her second win of the season.
Cleveland State closes the weekend with a rematch against Butler tomorrow starting at 9:30 a.m.
