BGSU softball (11-8) split its games in Charleston, S.C., starting the day with a 4-1 victory over Charleston Southern (5-18) before falling by the same 4-1 score in game two against the Buccaneers.
The Falcons showcased clutch hitting and pitching resilience in the first matchup, but the lineup struggled to capitalize on opportunities in the nightcap.
Game One
The Falcons opened the day with a solid performance, taking down Charleston Southern 4-1.
Senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik commanded the circle, tossing a complete game to pick up the win and improve to 6-3 on the season. She completely stifled the Buccaneers, allowing just one unearned run on eight hits, striking out one and issuing zero walks over 7.0 innings of work.
The Bowling Green offense did all of its damage in a massive four-run second inning. After senior middle infielder Hannah Hunt walked and junior shortstop Cameron Kaufman reached on a bunt single, redshirt sophomore third baseman Addie Martin ripped a two-run double to center field to put the Falcons on the board.
Junior outfielder Peyton Steffes immediately followed with an RBI single to right field to score Martin. Freshman outfielder Hannah Simko capped off the scoring barrage with an RBI single up the middle, plating Steffes to secure a 4-0 advantage.
Charleston Southern’s lone run came in the bottom of the sixth inning when a throwing error by the left fielder allowed junior right fielder Carsten Sandvig to score, but Krafcik limited the damage to secure the 4-1 final.
Game Two
In the second matchup, the Falcons found themselves in an early hole against Charleston Southern, ultimately falling 4-1.
The Buccaneers wasted no time getting on the board, striking for three runs in the bottom of the second inning. The frame was fueled by an RBI single from senior first baseman Harper Schoeneweis, a steal of home by redshirt sophomore catcher Emma Smith, and an RBI groundout from senior second baseman Lorenzza Marcacci. Charleston Southern later extended its lead in the fifth inning on an RBI groundout by junior outfielder Blakley Kingsmore.
Sophomore pitcher Madison Wendel took the loss in the circle for the Falcons, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing four earned runs on eight hits while issuing zero walks.
Bowling Green’s lineup struggled to capitalize on its chances throughout the game, stranding 10 runners on base despite drawing seven walks from CSU pitching. Junior first baseman Taylor Behrendt was a consistent bright spot, finishing 2-for-4 at the plate.
The Falcons attempted to mount a late comeback in the top of the sixth inning when Martin reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second, and then stole third base. Sophomore center fielder Hanna Massaro delivered a clutch RBI double to left-center to score Martin and put BGSU on the board.
However, the rally fell short as Massaro was caught stealing third on the play, and the Falcons ultimately left the bases loaded in the top of the seventh to end the game.
Up Next
The Falcons will be back on the field Saturday, March 7, facing Charleston Southern once again, with first pitch set for 2 p.m.
