The first game of Ohio's doubleheader against Cleveland State was like the last month or so — filled with errors on defense and impotent bats on offense.
Then, in second inning of the second game, Ohio (5-18-1) found its game against the Vikings (11-13) to earn a split at Viking Field.
"The first inning (of the second game) was bad," Ohio coach Roanna Brazier said. "After that we turned it around, we started hitting the ball, we made some unbelievable defensive plays like we've known we've been able to do all year.
"We've been snake bitten all year, making key errors, I'm really proud."
Cleveland State pitcher Kortney Spidell allowed all four runs in the sixth to give the Bobcats a 4-2 victory in her first inning of action.
With only one hit in the first five innings, the Ohio offense came to life just in time. Infielder Emily Futscher stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and one out and knocked a double to the outfield, scoring two Bobcats.
"It fell over the right fielder's head," Futscher said. "It was a flat, outside pitch I was able to drive."
Ohio pitcher Kerri Harley, the winner of game two, headed to the plate for her first at bat of the year and followed with another two runs batted in.
"I haven't hit all year, I haven't been practicing either," Harley said. "But she didn't (take me out), so when I went up there, I was looking for a strike to hit."
Brazier said Harley looked hesitant heading to the batters box for the first time this season.
"When she got up she looked at me like 'Are you going to take me out?,'" Brazier said.
Harley, who took the mound in the fifth inning, was dominant in her three innings. She allowed no runs and no hits during her stint against the Vikings.
"They didn't swing at the inside pitch, so I stayed on that inside corner," Harley said. "I think the adrenaline was rushing. I just bore down and made the plays."
Cleveland State took advantage of its chances on the bases in the first game. Despite logging only three hits and drawing two walks, the Vikings used five stolen bases as a catalyst for a 4-0 victory.
After the loss in the first game Brazier did not rant and rave at her team, instead resorting to the silent treatment.
"I didn't talk to them at all because they knew they screwed up," Brazier said. "They know they didn't hit when they needed to — took too many called strikes. Hearing me get on them isn't working, so I chose not to talk to them."
Brazier said despite a loss in game one, the doubleheader worked in the Bobcats' favor.
"They look and feel good now; it's almost as if we're back," she said.
Ohio faces Buffalo at 12 p.m. April 12 at UB Softball Stadium.
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Chris Littmann
