DETROIT (4/22/17) – The University of Detroit Mercy softball team salvaged a doubleheader split in the series-closing games against Valparaiso University under clear skies on Saturday afternoon from Buysse Ballpark.
In the opener, the Crusaders capitalized on Titan miscues early to jump out to a big lead and clinch the series with a 10-5 win, before Detroit Mercy bounced back with a 4-2 win in game two to salvage the DH split against Valparaiso.
Five Titans picked up multiple hits in the day, with freshman
Ellie Boteler leading the way after going 2-for-6 with four RBI on a pair of doubles and a walk.
Sophomore
Jordan Manno reached base four times on the day and picked up two steals after going 2-for-4 with a pair of walks and a run scored. Senior
Alyssa James went 3-for-5 on the day with a run and a walk, followed by sophomore
Courtney Gilbert and freshman
Elizabeth Yager with two hits apiece.
Freshman
Liz Murphy was strong in the nightcap, earning her 10th victory of the season after limiting the Crusader offense to two runs on five hits and seven strikeouts in a complete game effort.
The split moves the Titan record in Horizon League play to 9-7, while the Crusaders go to 11-7.
GAME ONE: VALPO 10 – DETROIT MERCY 5
Three Titan errors in the top of the second got the hosts in a jam and with two outs, Sam Stewart came through for the Crusaders with a grand slam that had just enough to carry the right field fence and cap a six-run inning that put Valpo up, 7-0.
Detroit Mercy manufactured a run in the bottom of the second and sophomore
Kara Vitale doubled in a run and came around to score in the fourth to slice the Valpo lead to 7-3.
The Titans would move closer in the bottom of the fifth as Boteler hit a two-run double with the bases juiced that brought the hosts within two at 7-5, but two quick outs ended the threat and the Crusaders would preserve their lead.
Valpo added a run in the sixth and two more in the seventh to pull away for the win.
Only four of the 10 runs
Ashley Mauser surrendered were earned as the sophomore went the distance in a complete game effort.
GAME TWO: DETROIT MERCY 4 – VALPO 2
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the first, Boteler doubled to left to give the Titans an early 2-0 lead. Manno and Gilbert singled with one out, before James walked to load the bases and set the stage for Boteler.
The Titans took advantage of a misplayed ball in centerfield in the bottom of the second and plated a pair of runs to take a 4-0 lead in the game.
Valparaiso manufactured two runs in the third to cut the Titan lead to 4-2, but Murphy was able to keep the Crusader bats at bay over the final four innings to earn the victory.
Valpo mounted one last rally in the top of the seventh as two walks and a single loaded the bases, but the threat was averted as junior
Savvy Ferstle snared a popup in the shallow outfield for the final out.
ON DECK
The Titans return to action next week at Cleveland State. The three-game will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Apr. 25-26, from the Buckeye State.
