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MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan softball team used three RBI from the program's all-time home run leader, Molly Coldren, to defeat Eastern Michigan, 5-1, in the annual Knock Cancer Out of the Park game Saturday afternoon.
Coldren placed the Chippewas (25-25, 10-10 Mid-American Conference) in front for good in the bottom of the third with her 14th home run of the season. The two-run shot allowed her to tie the program's single-season home run record, which she set last year.
After retiring the first three Eagles (21-33, 7-15 MAC), Macy Merchant got the CMU offense rolling with a single down the left field line. She stole her 14th base of the season and was advanced to third following a hit by Knoop to the second baseman. On a 1-1 pitch Coldren laid down a perfect bunt to first allowing Merchant to score from third.
The Eagles tied the game at one in the top of the third, following a solo home run from Kaylee Tolliver. The following batter, Courtney Nicholson, doubled down the right field line and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Jessica Richards slapped a ball to third allowing Chelsea DeLamielleure to flip to CarolAnn Sexauer, who covered third, tagging Nicholson out. On the ensuing play, Richards was off and running, but a strong throw from catcher Cory DeLamielleure to Sexauer at second, allowed the Chippewas tag out the MAC's leader in stolen bases.
Sexauer began the bottom of the fourth with a hard hit single to left field. Following a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch she advanced to third and was in scoring position. On a ground ball hit to the short stop by Cory DeLamielleure, Sexauer crossed home, pushing the Chippewas' lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the sixth back-to-back doubles by Brogan Darwin and Sexauer added one final run for the Maroon and Gold.
Coldren finished 2-for-2 at the plate, while Sexauer was 2-for-3 with an RBI.
Kara Dornbos (12-14) lasted all seven innings for CMU, allowing one run on four hits, in her 14th complete game on the season.
Lauren Wells (4-14) began the game in the circle for the Eagles allowing five runs on eight hits. She struck out five Chippewas in her 5.1 innings of work. Jenna Ignowski came on for the final two outs in the bottom of the sixth and allowed one hit.
The Chippewas will wrap up the regular season tomorrow against EMU at 1 p.m. Before the game CMU will honor the three seniors who will play their final home game at Margo Jonker Stadium.
