BGSU softball shared a Mid-American Conference doubleheader Friday, April 24, against the UMass Minutewomen at Meserve Field.
The Falcons took game one by a final score of 5-1, yet eventually fell short in game two by a 6-5 final. While Bowling Green split the doubleheader, the games were highlighted by two pitching appearances by senior Mackenzie Krafcik.
“I felt like myself, it felt like how I did in preseason…just sticking to the grind and keep pushing every game,” said Krafcik.
Heading into the series, Krafcik had a 3.28 ERA, 23 appearances and 49 strikeouts. She tossed a complete game in the opener, performing in all 7 innings, allowing only one run (unearned) and keeping UMass scoreless after the first inning.
The complete game was Krafcik’s ninth this season and 17th in her career, more than any other Falcon on the roster. Nine this season triples her junior-season total of three complete games.
“Knowing the team can rally, wants to rally and wants to win makes me want to pitch for them,” said Krafcik. “Especially going two games. It’s hard. They’re out there fighting for me, so I want to fight for them.”
Head coach Michelle Gardner decided to throw Krafick in game two, relieving Morgan Beckham‘s 4.1-inning start. She threw 2.2 innings, allowing two hits and no runs, and saw the Falcon offense score all five of their game-two runs with her as the pitcher of record.
“She has kept us in a lot of ball games. It makes me very proud of her,” said Gardner following the 6-5 loss in game two.
Krafick has thrown 23 total games for the Orange and Brown this season. She has now pitched twice in a day on three separate occasions this season, UMass being her first two-appearance day in MAC play.
The Falcons finish the home series against the Minutewomen at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, seeking their first conference series win this season. The contest is also the final MAC home game for Bowling Green in the 2026 campaign, which will be broadcasted on the WBGU YouTube livestream.
Falcon Media Sports Network will have a recap on bgfalconmedia.com.
