The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Cleveland State
Akron Sweeps Cleveland State, 3-1 and 5-4
March 30 | Softball
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Box Score (Game One) | Box Score (Game Two)
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Zips used a strong pitching performances and 18 hits combined in two games en route to sweeping Cleveland State, 3-1 and 5-4, in a double-header Wednesday night at Viking Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
"It is always great to win up in Cleveland and even better to take two," said head coach Julie Jones. "I thought we pitched really well today. Erin (Seiler), Kelly (Hysong) and Paige (McMenemy) gave us a great chance to win and our offense did the rest. Gabby (Fredericks) had a big day at the plate for us."
Akron jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning against Cleveland State. Junior Savannah Fruin (Delray Beach, Fla.) led off the game with a single through the right side of the infield and moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt. The Zips' centerfielder stole third during the next at-bat and scored on a double steal.
With two outs in the top of the fourth inning, freshman Gabrielle Fredericks (New Philadelphia, Ohio) ripped a double into the gap in right center field. Sophomore Kayla Schlosser (Erie, Pa.) slapped a single in front of home plate and darted to first safely. The Zips pulled off a double steal during the next at-bat. Schlosser took off for second forcing the catcher to throw down and Fredericks broke for the plate and slid in safely.
Cleveland State cut the deficit in half in the bottom portion of the fifth inning. With a runner on second, the Vikings Riley Ries doubled into centerfield allowing the runner to come around and score.
The Zips added an insurance run in the top of the seventh inning to push their lead to 3-1. Junior Anna Tarpley (Jacksonville, Fla.) singled to lead off the inning and moved to second on a bunt and error by the third baseman. Junior Alyssa Nicholas (Cortland, Ohio) dug into the box and sent a pop up out past first base but it was far enough to allow Tarpley to tag up from third and score.
Senior Erin Seiler (Bowling Green, Ohio) made her 23 third start of the year in the circle for the Zips and completed her 18th complete game. In seven innings of work, the righty gave up just one run on five hits while striking out eight and walked six.
The Vikings struck first in game two of the twinbill with a solo home run to centerfield in the bottom of the third inning.
In the top half of the fourth inning, the ball was jumping off the Zips bats as Akron scored five runs in the inning to take over the lead. Sophomore Taylor Kirian (New Reigel, Ohio) started things off by reaching on an error and senior McKenzi Rhodes (Marengo, Ohio) moved her over on a SAC bunt. Schlosser stepped into the box and slapped a single up the middle for a single and her first RBI of the year.
With the bases loaded, Gillespie lined out to the right fielder but deep enough for Schlosser to tag up and score from third. In the next at-bat, Fruin drove a deep fly to center field for a three-run home run. The long ball was the junior's sixth of the year.
Sophomore Paige McMenemy (Westerville, Ohio) picked up her first 'W' of the season in the circle. The sophomore entered the game in the third inning in relief of the Akron starter. McMenemy held the Vikings to four runs in 4.1 innings and forced six groundouts and five fly outs. Freshman Kelly Hysong (Canton, Ohio) began the game for Akron and went 2.1 innings and gave up the CSU lone run.
The Zips continue their seven game road trip this weekend, April 1-2, in Central Michigan with a three-game series against the Chippewas. Akron and CMU play a lone game Friday, April 1, at 3 p.m. and a double-header starting at 1 p.m. on April 2.
