Riding the arm of pitcher Michelle Sauter, the Ohio softball team stayed consistent over the weekend with how it has fared against Mid-American Conference foes so far this season.
The sophomore ace collected both of the team's victories in two complete games, helping the team earn splits in series at Toledo and Bowling Green.
In their four series against MAC opponents so far this season, the Bobcats (19-21, 4-4 MAC) have come away with a split in each two-game set.
Splitting these series just proves that we can go toe-to-toe with any team in the conference
coach Jill Matyuch said. It's tough to say who the better team is after it though because you need that rubber match to get a winner.
Ohio started the weekend strongly, downing Toledo, 4-2, in the first game of a doubleheader. The Rockets recovered for the second half of the twin bill, however, with a 7-1 victory.
Sauter did not need much run support in the complete-game effort, but two insurance runs in the seventh inning from a Robin Miller double proved to be valuable. The Rockets threatened in the seventh, plating one run to make the score 4-2, but failed to make the comeback as Sauter put the clamps on Toledo's offense.
Sauter continued her mound dominance Saturday at Bowling Green, pitching all 12 innings in the Bobcats 3-1, extra-inning victory over the Falcons.
The 12-inning effort marked the first time a Bobcat pitcher has thrown more than nine innings in a contest since 2003. The right-hander allowed just one earned run on six hits while striking out seven.
Sauter, who threw 168 pitches in her seventh complete game of the season, said that she was not concerned about fatigue at all on the mound.
I was just in such a groove out there
she said. My arm was a little tired
but I wasn't worried about it.
For the weekend, Sauter pitched 23 2/3 innings and allowed just four earned runs, lowering her team-leading ERA to 1.33.
Although they dropped a tough 3-2 decision to the Falcons on Sunday, the Bobcats got an unexpected boost from their bench when outfielder Danielle Kelley entered the game in the fifth inning as a pinch runner and stole home to give the Bobcats their first run of the day.
It was just great to get in the game
Kelley said. I was looking to do anything in my power to help get the team on the board.
The Bobcats will be back in action at 3 p.m. Wednesday for a home-opening doubleheader against No. 24 Virginia Tech.
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Andrew Gribble
