BGSU softball (5-1) picked up two more wins in the second day of the Purple & White Classic on Friday in Greenville, South Carolina, dominating game one versus Towson (2-4) 7-2 before rallying for a thrilling 9-8 victory in game two against Lipscomb (3-4).
The Falcons improved to 3-1 for the tournament, counting their hot streak on offense from the previous day, combining for 16 runs across the two contests. Pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik anchored the defense in game one with a complete-game performance, while the lineup showed resilience in game two, overcoming a three-run deficit in the final inning.
Game One vs. Towson
The Falcons opened the day with a decisive 7-2 victory over the Towson Tigers, fueled by a complete game from Krafcik.
The senior pitcher improved to 2-0 on the season, tossing 7.0 innings and allowing zero earned runs on just four hits while striking out four.
Bowling Green wasted no time getting on the board, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Shortstop Cameron Kaufman reached on a fielding error to score first baseman Taylor Behrendt, followed immediately by a single to left field from right fielder Peyton Steffes that drove in two more runs.
The Falcons added to their lead in the third when Kaufman doubled to left center to bring Behrendt home, extending the advantage to 4-0.
After Towson capitalized on errors to score two unearned runs in the fifth, BGSU put the game out of reach in the sixth. Center fielder Hanna Massaro doubled to center to score Steffes, and Behrendt followed up with a clutch two-run single up the middle, securing the 7-2 final.
Behrendt finished the game 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Steffes and Massaro also contributed multi-hit performances.
Game Two vs. Lipscomb
The second game was a chaotic offensive battle that saw the Falcons overcome an 8-5 deficit in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat Lipscomb 9-8.
The game was a back-and-forth affair early. After falling behind, BGSU took a 5-2 lead in the fifth inning thanks to an RBI double from third baseman Addie Martin. However, the Bisons responded with a massive sixth inning, scoring five runs to reclaim the lead, and adding an insurance run in the top of the seventh to make it 8-5.
With their backs against the wall in the final frame, the Falcons mounted a furious comeback. Kaufman started the rally with a single, and after a walk to Steffes, pinch hitter Ashley Chevalier delivered a crucial RBI single to center.
A dropped fly ball allowed another run to score, bringing the Falcons within one. Left fielder Hannah Simko showed patience at the plate, drawing a bases-loaded walk to force in the tying run.
With the game knotted at 8-8, designated player Katie Hutter stepped up and lofted a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Chevalier to tag up and score the winning run, sealing the victory for Bowling Green.
Pitcher Alyvia Roth (2-1) earned the win in relief, while Martin led the offense, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Up Next
The Falcons conclude the Purple & White Classic with a rematch against Towson, Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10 am.
