The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Troy
Softball's comeback falls short in 6-3 loss to Troy
February 24 | Softball
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DECATUR, Ga. – Akron's defense came together for five good innings but the Zips were unable to offset the four runs they gave up in the fourth in a 6-3 loss to Troy Sunday morning.
The Zips finish the Phyllis Rafter Memorial Tournament 1-2 and move to 5-6 on the season.
"We played a clean game but we still have a lot to work on," said head coach Julie Jones. "We did not pitch well in two innings which proved to be the difference in the game. We also were unable to capitalize on a few different RBI situations that would have put serious pressure on Troy.
"We have some time to work on things we need to improve on before heading to Florida for our next tournament."
Freshman Shawna Hochstetler was 2-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base, and Taryn Allmon followed up with a 1-for-2 showing with a RBI and a walk.
Alissa Birkhimer (3-3) and Erin Seiler split time in the circle tallying 10 strikeouts, but each gave up a homerun that propelled Troy's offense.
The Trojans got on the board first with a two-out two-RBI double from first baseman Caitlin Ortiz in the top of the first.
Akron got one back in the bottom of the second, as Rachael Ratcliffe reached first on an error by the shortstop to start the inning. Jessica Schneider's sacrifice bunt moved Ratcliffe to second, and Hochstetler grounded out to move her to third.
It was Allmon who would deliver a single to right with two down to bring Ratcliffe across and make it a one-run game.
Troy went on to score four runs on two swings in the top of the fourth, thanks to a solo shot and a three-run home run with two outs to blow the game open to 6-1.
The Zips came alive again in the fifth when Hochstetler issued a leadoff single and went on to steal second. Allmon and McKenzi Rhodes drew walks to load the bases with no outs, and the ensuing wild pitch moved them into scoring position while scoring Hochstetler.
Keelia Nester's ground out to third was enough to bring home Allmon and put UA back to within three. The Zips still had a chance to close the gap with a runner on third and one out, but back-to-back strikeouts ended the rally and the inning.
Akron found itself in the same situation an inning later with Birkhimer and Ratcliffe on first and second after a walk and a single. Schneider then reached on a fielder's choice, which put runners on the corners with just one out.
Hochstetler laid down a bunt single to load the bases, and once again two Akron strikeouts stifled any chance of a comeback.
The Zips will have a week off before traveling to Kissimmee, Fla. for the Rebel Spring Games March 8-11. Opponents on deck for Akron in Florida include Penn, Holy Cross, South Dakota, Sacred Heart, Butler, North Dakota, Lehigh and Fairleigh Dickinson.
