Ohio defeats Eastern Michigan 12-2 behind a complete game from Kaylin Clarke.
After being swept Friday by Central Michigan in a doubleheader, Ohio was looking get back into the win column Saturday against Eastern Michigan.
The Bobcats pulled away early scoring four runs in the first inning, and five in the second, on their wary to a 12-2 victory, which ended with the an eight-run mercy rule in the fifth inning. Senior first baseman Raven King hit a two-run home run and finished the day 2-for-2.
Winning pitcher Kaylin Clarke tossed a complete game and went 3-for-3 at the plate, while driving in seven runs. She also hit a home run in the third, which pushed Ohio’s lead to 9-0.
Clarke finished the day in the circle only allowing one earned run and seven hits.
“I think it’s a lot easier to pitch and hit in the same game, because it keeps me in check on both sides of the field,” Clarke said. “It feels good to be able to help out the team on both sides of the field.”
The Bobcats (10-20, 3-2 Mid-American Conference) forced Eagles’ pitcher Lindsay Rich out of the circle early, having only pitched 1 ⅓ innings allowing eight earned runs. Eastern Michigan is now 9-20 overall and 1-3 in MAC play.
“Our biggest focus today was coming in and eliminating distractions, so that we could be attentive to all the details of the game before the game is even played,” coach Jodi Hermanek said.
Ohio ended the game out-hitting the Eagles 13-7.
“After yesterday, the way we lost, it was huge for us to come out and not work from a deficit today, and watch our confidence continue to build as the game went on,” Hermanek said. “It was great for them to have fun with the game today.”
Ohio will attempt to complete its sweet against against Eastern Michigan on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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