TAMPA, Fla. - The Central Michigan softball team scored at least a run in all but one inning on Sunday, enroute to a 10-3 win over USC Upstate, in the final day of the University of South Florida Under Armour Showcase Tournament.
CarolAnn Sexauer recorded her first collegiate home run in the fourth inning and finished the day 1-for-3 with two RBI.
The Chippewas (8-9) opened the top of the first with the fourth batter, Molly Coldren, doubling to center field driving home Macy Merchant, who began the game with a bunt single. They added to their lead in the top of the third when Coldren again recorded a hit, scoring another run. Brogan Darwin followed up Coldren with a single through the left side of the infield, allowing Coldren to round third and head home.
Sexauer made the CMU lead 4-0 in the top of the fourth with her solo blast to left field.
The Spartans (20-4) got on the board in the bottom of the fourth when they were able to score two runs on three hits.
The Maroon and Gold responded in the top of the fifth when Raechel Zahrn beat out a bunt to begin the inning. The next batter, Summer Knoop, reached on an error by the first baseman, allowing Zahrn to score. Knoop tagged up from third and scored when Darwin flied out to left field making the score 6-2.
The Chippewas added to their lead again in the top of the sixth when Lauren Bowman walked, stole second and then advanced home following two Spartan errors.
While USC Upstate was able generate one run in the bottom of the sixth it was CMU that stayed hot and posted three in the top of the seventh. With bases loaded Gilson forced a walk, bringing home one run for the Chippewas. The next batter, Lauren Smith, was hit by a pitch, allowing another Chippewa to cross the plate. Sexauer followed Smith and reached first on a fielder's choice, but recorded an RBI.
CMU was able to score 10 runs from nine hits. Merchant was 3-for-4 on the day while Coldren went 2-for-4 and recorded two RBI.
Morgan Yuncker threw 3.1 innings for the Maroon and Gold allowing two runs on four hits. Kristen Kuhlman came on in relief and allowed one run on three hits, while striking out three. Kuhlman collected the win, her first of the season.
The Chippewas will enjoy a week home in Mount Pleasant before they compete in their last tournament, the Hoosier Classic, on Friday at 12:15.
