BGSU softball (15-25, 7-9 MAC) took action once again at Meserve Field this past Saturday to complete their weekend stint against the visiting Western Michigan Broncos (11-26, 5-7 MAC) in a doubleheader. After a 3-1 loss on Friday, the Falcons looked to get back in the swing of things and end what was a three-game losing streak.
Before the game, it was a moment of celebration. The seniors of the Orange and Brown were represented today. Wynnie Reid, Madi Young, Ellie Price, and Scarlet Anderson were all met with applause from all the attendees at the field, who were recognized for their contributions to the program.
Game One:
The first score of the game would come off a throwing error from the Bronco’s first baseman Riley Chumbley, which would advance Anderson to home plate. This was followed by another run scored from freshman Kendall Mathews after another error, this time from third baseman Micaela Booth. The offensive presence would continue at the bottom of the second, with an RBI double that would give another run scored from sophomore Peyton Steffes, then with back-to-back solo home run shots from Anderson and sophomore Cameron Kaufman at the bottom of the third, giving Bowling Green the early lead, 5-0.
All of this took place while still holding Western Michigan scoreless throughout the first three innings, mainly from the pitching from freshman Sydney Marshall.
“We just have to find a way; we had a few mistakes, but we still got out of those bad situations,” said head coach Michelle Gardner. “Syd threw a gem. For her to come out and do what she did today, I am very pleased.”
The dominance prevailed yet again when Mathews hit a two-run homer to right field to increase the lead to 7-0 with nobody out.
The Falcons closed out game one early with an 8-0 victory at just the top of the fifth. Giving both sides 30 minutes to refuel and re-energize for game two.
Game Two:
The introduction of game two began right where BG left off, holding WMU scoreless at the top of the first, which led to an RBI double with one run scoring for the Falcons courtesy of junior Hannah Hunt, giving Bowling Green the lead 1-0.
Despite the quick start, this would be the only score of the game for the next three innings. As both sides with their pitching became prominent and the norm. That was the case until the bottom of the fifth when freshman for BG Addie Martin struck gold with an RBI triple that sent two runners home, which would then follow with a single from Hunt putting three more tallies on the board, increasing the deficit 4-0.
For the Broncos, they managed to have a sign of light at the top of the sixth, as they found themselves with the bases loaded with only one out, but the Falcons had other ideas. Shutting down any possibility of Western Michigan getting on board.
The Falcons were able to shorten the game yet again, this time at the top of the seventh, winning 4-0 and claiming the series victory.
“It’s all coming together,” said Gardner. “I’m very proud of them for really finding a way to compete.”
The Falcons’ new sense of confidence will carry over, as they will return to Meserve Field for their next in-conference opponent the Ohio Bobcats, starting Tuesday, April 15. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
Falcon Media Sports Network’s Ben Corak and Henry Kosko will have the call on Falcon Radio starting at 12:45 p.m. for pregame.
