GRANVILLE, Ohio — The Denison softball team dropped both contests to Muskingum, falling in game one 8-4 before dropping a heartbreaker in extra innings, 7-6.
Carley Melton had two multi-hit games to pace the Big Red, and had a combined 14 hits in the loss. Denison falls to 5-9, while Muskingum improves to 11-1
Game One: Muskingum 8, Denison 4
Denison found itself trailing early after Muskingum struck for a run in the first inning and added three more in the second to take a 4–0 lead.
The Big Red responded in the third inning, capitalizing on a pair of Muskingum errors to get back into the game. Indy Workman reached on a muffed throw that allowed two runs to score, cutting the deficit to 4–2. Later in the inning, Brooke Surbaugh delivered a clutch two-RBI single to center field, bringing home Carley Melton and Workman to even the score at 4–4.
After the third inning, both teams settled in defensively as the game remained tied heading into the final frame.
Muskingum broke things open in the seventh inning, scoring four runs. A bunt single, sacrifice fly, RBI double, and a fielder's choice plated four runs to give Muskingum an 8–4 advantage.
Denison was unable to respond in the bottom half, as Muskingum held on to secure the 8–4 win.
Surbaugh led the way offensively for the Big Red with two RBI, while Workman also contributed an RBI and scored a run in the third-inning rally. Melton led the Big Red with a two-hit performance. Bridget Haller and Alex Longstreth each recorded a hit and crossed the plate.
Game Two: Muskingum 7, Denison 6 (8 Inn.)
Both squads went quiet in the first inning, but that did not last long as the Big Red scored two runs in the second thanks to a Bridget Haller double down the left field line to score two. Muskingum answered themselves, scoring four runs in the third to quiet the Big Red attack and making the score 4-2 in favor of the Muskies.
Denison was able to rattle off two hits from Brooke Surbaugh and Liana "Seri" Su, but were left stranded. Andrea Care came in to pitch for Moffitt, and delivered a scoreless half-inning to start out her night.
In the closing innings of the game, Denison needed a spark, and they got one, with a Carley Melton double and Care single, the Big Red set themselves up with a scoring opportunity. A passed ball was able to score Melton and bring Denison within one, then su grounded out to first base and brought in pinch runner Rosie Witt from third to tie the game up 4-4 heading into the sixth inning.
Care was dialed in the sixth inning, striking out two Muskies while one other grounded out to head into the bottom frame. With two outs and a runner on second, Melton delivered once again, ripping a single into left center, bringing Brianna Gonzalez home for the Big Red and lead 5-4. Just as Muskingum had done all day, they answered, as they brought home a run off of an RBI double to knot the game at five. Denison could not answer with the final blow, forcing the game into extra innings.
In extras, Muskingum scored off of a sacrifice fly to go up 6-5, and a couple batters later would bring in another to make it 7-5, giving Denison a final chance. Denison was able to grab a run from Haller off of a passed ball, but unfortunately could not reel another in, as three line outs to the outfield would seal the game and sweep for Muskingum, 7-6.
Denison generated eight hits, with Melton going 2-4 with two runs batted in and a run. Haller also brought in two runs with her single, and su and Workman both walked twice. Four Denison pitchers came in to pitch, with Care taking the loss. The Big Red trio struck out four and gave up 11 hits.
Up Next for the Big Red
Denison stays at home for their matchup against No. 19 Case Western Reserve on Thursday, March 26 at 5 pm and 7 pm.
