The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ohio
Akron Softball Downs Ohio 2-0 on Sunday
April 15 | Softball
ATHENS, Ohio – The Akron softball team posted its first Mid-American Conference win of the season, defeating Ohio 2-0 on Sunday.
The Zips (14-23-1, 1-9 MAC) battled through a pitcher's duel to plate the game's only two runs in the top of the sixth. Brittany Maurer (12-18) got the complete-game shutout, giving up just five hits and striking out four without giving up a walk.
Alissa Birkhimer provided the offense for Akron, going 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored courtesy of her sixth home run of the season.
Akron and Ohio (16-21, 5-5 MAC) had opportunities to get on the scoreboard in the first inning as both squads got leadoff hits in the inning. However, both teams would strand runners on the pad to keep the game scoreless.
Over the next four innings, the Zips and Bobcats would combine for just four total hits, two by each team.
The Zips would break the game open in the top of the sixth inning. With one out, Alex Helfrich singled before launched a pitch over the left-center wall to give Akron a 2-0 lead.
Ohio would strand a runner on base in the bottom of the sixth before Akron threatened to increase their lead in the top of the seventh. Allison Dorr reached base after being struck by a pitch with one out. Crystal Hernandez the walked and Keelia Nester singled to load the bases. OU's pitcher would then retire to next two batters to end the threat.
Maurer would strike out two of the four Ohio batters in the bottom of the seventh to seal the 2-0 win.
The Zips hit the road on Tuesday, April 17, when they travel to Moon Township, Pa., to face Robert Morris. The doubleheader is slated to begin at 3 p.m.
