The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Kent State
Kent State sneaks by Softball 3-1 to take series
April 06 | Softball
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AKRON, Ohio -- The University of Akron softball team ran into another sixth-inning roadblock Sunday afternoon, falling to Kent State 3-1 at Lee R. Jackson Field.
UA starting pitcher Erin Seiler allowed only two hits on the day, but one was a three-run home run that proved to be the difference maker in the game.
Akron slid to 15-8 overall and 2-2 in the MAC, and Kent State moved to 16-14 and 2-2 in the conference. The series sweep for KSU gives the Flashes the full point in the PNC Wagon Wheel Challenge standings.
The Zips carried a 1-0 advantage into the top of the sixth inning but were stopped in their tracks when Kent State third baseman Maddy Grimm took a 2-1 pitch over the left field wall to give the Flashes the control they maintained for the last two frames.
Prior to that sixth inning, Seiler retired 12 consecutive batters. She gave up her only other hit of the day to Dani Ramos in the first inning, the Flashes' No. 2 hitter. Seiler's record in the circle is now 9-4 for the year.
Akron struggled to find its footing against Kent State pitcher Ronnie Ladines (4-4), coming up with just four hits and falling victim to seven strikeouts.
The Zips scored their lone run early in the second inning when Kellie Roudabush took first base after being hit by a pitch. With Jessica Reiman at the plate and two away, Roudabush made a break to steal second and kept going all the way to third as the throw from the catcher bounced into center field.
Reiman drove a single to left on a full count to plate Roudabush and put Akron on the board first.
A pitchers' duel ensued for the next several innings as neither team pushed a runner past second base in the third, fourth or fifth. Seiler was able work her way out of the sixth inning after the home run by Grimm, but Akron could not supply the offense to make up the difference.
Sara Pearson entered the game to pitch the last inning for Akron, retiring the Flashes in order including a pair of strikeouts.
Akron will step away from MAC play for a weekday doubleheader against Horizon League foe Youngstown State on Tuesday, April 8. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at Lee Jackson.
