Westminster stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/softball/2012/03-08-s1.htm
I Methodist stats: http://www.bluffton.edu/sports/softball/2012/03-08-s2.htm
The Bluffton University softball team fell behind 4-0 to Westminster in the first inning and never recovered as the Beavers managed just three hits in the 8-0 mercy-rule loss to the Titans. A pair of Bluffton scores in the sixth inning of game two made the score 3-3 before a six-run splurge by Methodist dropped the Beavers to 5-3 on the season.
Westminster knocked starter Kayla Owens (Cincinnati/McAuley) out of game one with four runs on four hits. A walk, an error and three wild pitches in the first inning gave Westminster all it needed against a Bluffton squad that managed just three hits in the 8-0 six-inning loss on Thursday morning.
Freshmen Megan Patton (Waynesfield/Perry), Taylor Haggy (South Charleston/Southeastern) and Emily Kolezynski (Strongsville) combined to throw five innings of relief, allowing four runs, just one earned, with five strikeouts. The Titans took advantage of four Bluffton errors to plate five unearned runs in their victory.
A two-run bottom of the first in game two forced Bluffton to play from behind for the second straight contest. An error by the Beavers combined with three hits helped the Monarchs to a quick 2-0 advantage.
The teams traded runs in the fifth when Shelby Wade (Delaware/Buckeye Valley) plated senior Chelsie Osborne (Chillicothe/Waverly) with a single to left field. A pair of unearned runs in the top of the sixth made the score 3-3 before the Methodist bats took over in the bottom of the frame.
The home team lit up the scoreboard with six runs on seven hits for a commanding 9-3 lead. Osborne doubled and scored in the seventh but it was not enough as the Beavers slipped to 5-3 with their 9-4 loss in game two.
Freshman Chloe Shell (Covington) was solid through the first five innings before Methodist caught up to her in the sixth. She allowed nine runs on 11 hits in 5.2 innings of work. Shell struck out two and walked just her first batter of the season. Osborne scored two runs in the loss.
Bluffton returns to action on Friday, March 9, against Bridgewater College. The contest with the Eagles is slated for 1 p.m. at the Fortune Road Complex.
