Akron Swept By Toledo In MAC Opener

Sunday, March 25

Akron, Ohio

1 PM

University of Akron

1-23-1, 0

University of Toledo

17-12, 0

Toledo

Akron

Photo by: Jeff Harwell

March 25 | Softball

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AKRON, Ohio – The Toledo Rockets completed the three-game sweep over the Akron softball team at Lee Jackson Field following a 6-1 win against the Zips on the second day of a three-game set to open the 2018 Mid-American Conference season.

Early offense by the Rockets coupled with two insurance runs late in the contest added up to the 6-1 win over Akron.

Toledo hit a two-run home run in the first inning and a pair of base hit RBIs for two more runs in the second to claim a 4-0 lead.

Akron was limited to just four hits through five innings of play and left four on the base path. The Zips offense was halted by the Rockets starter, Kailey Minarchick. Toledo's starter pitched 5.0 innings, gave up four hits, no runs, and struck out two.

The Rockets added their two insurance runs in the top half of the fifth inning thanks to a bases-clearing two-RBI double to extend its lead to 6-0.

Kimberly Rodriguez (Las Vegas, Nevada) was the bright spot in the Zips lineup Sunday afternoon highlighted by smacking a bomb out to left field for her second home run in as many days. Rodriguez went 3-for-3 in the contest with an RBI and run scored.

In the circle for the Zips, freshman Kayla Kmett (San Clemente, Calif.) made her 10^th start of the season but lasted just 1.2 innings giving up four runs on four hits with a walk and a strikeout. Senior Kooper Vertz (Dilsboro, Ind.) entered the game for Akron in relief out of the bullpen and did a good job of limiting the Rockets offense. Vertz tossed 5.1 innings, gave up four hits, two runs (0 earned) and tied a career-high four strikeouts in a contest.

Akron returns to action this week, March 27, in a non-conference showdown with Niagara University at Lee R. Jackson Field. The Zips and Purple Eagles are slated for a twinbill starting at 3 p.m.