BGSU softball (18-25, 6-16) split the doubleheader against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen (17-27, 8-15) on Friday at Meserve Field. The Falcons won the first game 5-1, before falling in the second 6-5.
“Absolutely love the fight that we showed today,” said head coach Michelle Gardner. “I loved Game 1; we came out and gave up a run, but still battled back. I thought Game 2 did that, but you just had too many free bases. You give up bases, and you’re going to give up runs.”
Senior pitcher Mackenzie Krafcik made an appearance in both games of the doubleheader. Starting the first game and pitching all seven innings while picking up the win. Then coming into the second game in relief during the fifth inning to try to shut down the Minutemen offense.
“I felt like myself finally, felt like how I did in preseason again; it’s been a long time coming,” said Krafcik. “Obviously, just sticking to the grind, keep pushing every game, knowing that I’m capable of it and finally being able to actually go out there and do what I wanted to do was really good.”
Game One
Krafcik got the start in the circle for the Falcons in the first game. She pitched all seven innings while facing only 29 batters on 82 pitches. Krafcik did not give up any earned runs in the game, with the only Massachusetts run coming unearned in the first.
For Krafcik, this is her ninth win of the season and brings her to 9-9 overall. This is her first win since March 14, which saw the Falcons defeat Central Michigan 1-0 at Meserve Field.
“She bounced back and threw a great game,” said Gardner. “For her to be able to do what she does and keep coming back, I’m just so proud of her. It helps us be better.”
Massachusetts started the scoring in the first game. Picking up one run in the first inning after a fielding error by Addie Martin allowed the runner to score, giving the Minutemen a 1-0 lead.
Bowling Green responded in the second inning after Cameron Kaufman stole second, prompting a throw from the Massachusetts catcher and allowing Martin to steal home and tie the game up at 1.
Later in the inning, Katie Hutter came up to bat and singled through the right side of the infield, scoring Kaufman and giving BGSU a 2-1 lead.
In the fourth, the Falcons added insurance runs to their lead. Scoring one after Hanna Massaro reached on an error by the pitcher, Hannah Streicher, and allowing Ashley Chevalier to score from second.
The Falcons didn’t stop there. Taylor Behrendt hit a ball in play towards the shortstop, who had trouble fielding it, allowing Behrendt to be safe at first and Katie Hutter to score.
They added one more run in the inning, after Hannah Hunt hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Massaro and bringing the score to a 5-1 BGSU lead.
The Minutemen were only able to pick up two hits throughout the rest of the game while scoring no more runs. This led to BGSU picking up the victory with a final score of 5-1.
“Relied on my teammates, had some really good defense, especially with not our traditional setup,” said Krafcik. “I think that had my back really well, and I think it worked out.”
Game Two
The Minutemen took game two of the series, coming out hot offensively and being able to hold off the Falcons long enough to secure the victory.
Massachusetts once again started the scoring in the second game. After getting into a bases-loaded position, Grace Colucci hit a single into right field, scoring runners from second and third, giving Massachusetts an early 2-0 lead.
They added another run in the fourth, with Colucci picking up another RBI after a single scored Lily Woodworth from second base. This extended the Minutemen’s lead to 3-0 after four innings.
Morgan Beckham took the circle for the Falcons in game two. Pitching 4.1 innings before being taken out of the game with one out in the fifth and the bases loaded. Replacing her was Krafcik, making her second appearance of the day.
“Morgan’s been throwing so well, and she was just not on today,” said Gardner. “Mack came in and did a great job. I appreciate the effort. We are so much better than what we were last year.”
All three of the runners on base scored before Krafcik was able to get out of the inning. By the time the damage was over, the score was 6-0, Minutemen.
The Falcon offense exploded in the fifth inning, putting their first runs of the day on the scoreboard. After a couple of errors by the Massachusetts defense, Massaro stepped up to bat and smoked a double to left-center field. This brought home the first runs for the Falcons and cut the Minutemen’s lead to 6-2.
The inning didn’t stop there. Behrendt singled to right-center, scoring Massaro. Hunt then brought Behrendt home before the end of the inning, putting the score at 6-4.
Bowling Green continued the comeback attempt in the sixth inning. Scoring a run after Behrendt hit a hot shot up the middle, scoring Kendall Mathews and bringing the score to 6-5.
Neither side was able to drive in runners in the seventh, ending the game with a 6-5 Minutemen win.
“All I really care about is that we come out and compete tomorrow, that we don’t lay down,” said Gardner. “The way they came out today was phenomenal, so let’s hope for that tomorrow.”
Next
The Falcons and Minutemen will play Game 3 of the series tomorrow, April 25, at 1 p.m. at Meserve Field. After, the Falcons will finish their home schedule with a doubleheader against Oakland on April 28, with the first game starting at 2 p.m.
“Kind of going to be an emotional day, but going to leave it all in Meserve,” said Krafcik. “The seniors are going to really, hopefully leave it all out there. The team has our back, everyone’s excited, everyone’s families are in town, and we’re feeling really good about it. We’re feeling super optimistic and excited for the day.”
