BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The Central Michigan softball team got a bases loaded double play in the bottom of the sixth inning to preserve a 3-2 win over Bowling Green on Sunday.
The Chippewa (20-18, 5-6 Mid-American Conference) offense got rolling in the top of the first when Molly Coldren had a double to left field, allowing Summer Knoop to score from first. The next batter, Ashley Gilson, traded places with Coldren following a two-base shot to right center, handing CMU a 2-0 lead.
The Maroon and Gold added another run in the top of the second. Brittany Horan reached first on a fielder's choice, stole second and moved to third following a single by Macy Merchant. Merchant stole second on the next pitch and an error by the catcher on the throw to second allowed Horan to score from third. CMU held a 3-0 lead after two innings.
The Falcons (25-16, 9-3 MAC) added two runs in the bottom of the fifth. A single to right center by Paige Berger scored one run with two outs. With runners on the corners the Falcons attempted a double steal, in which the runner was thrown out at second, but not before the run crossed home bringing the score to 3-2.
After the Chippewas were retired in order in the top of the sixth, BGSU got its first two runners on base in the bottom of the inning. The third batter, Shelby Fink singled to center field, but the CMU defense took advantage of a BGSU baserunning error to throw runners out at second and third on the play. Kristen Kuhlman, who came on to pitch in the bottom of the sixth, got the final batter to fly out and the threat was ended.
Chelsea Sundberg (7-5) picked up her seventh win of the year throwing five innings, allowing two runs on five hits. Kuhlman threw the final two innings holding BGSU to only one hit to record her first save of the season.
Jamie Kertes (12-9) suffered the loss for BGSU going three innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits. Paris Imholz threw four innings holding the Chippewas to one hit.
Gilson finished the game a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with one RBI. Coldren went 1-for-3 at the plate also recording an RBI.
The Chippewas will return home for a solo contest against Michigan on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
