“The University of Akron softball team ended its non-conference schedule Wednesday by defeating Ohio State 2-1 in the Inaugural Strike-Out Cancer event at Lee Jackson field. The Zips (17-21) won the game in the bottom of the eighth inning against an Ohio State team (33-16) that is first in the Big Ten Conference.”
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The University of Akron softball team ended its non-conference schedule Wednesday by defeating Ohio State 2-1 in the Inaugural Strike-Out Cancer event at Lee Jackson field.

The Zips (17-21) won the game in the bottom of the eighth inning against an Ohio State team (33-16) that is first in the Big Ten Conference.

We pulled together at the right time, head coach Julie Jones said.

The Zips scored in the bottom of the fourth inning on a single to right field by Katrina Moffet, putting them ahead 1-0.

Ohio State tied the game in the top of the fifth on a sacrifice fly to left field.

Zips starting pitcher Lindsay Bodeker pitched eight innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight. The win improved her record to 12-14.

Ohio State has a good reputation, so we wanted to win, Bodeker said.

She got a lot of help from her defense in the sixth and eighth inning, however.

Strong defense carried Akron out of those innings despite that Ohio State loaded the bases twice. The Buckeyes did not score.

Our defense really came through for us in the last few innings, Jones said.

The win to end the Zips’ non-conference schedule will give them a lot of momentum as they try to qualify for the MAC tournament on May 9.

The top three teams in both divisions and the two teams with the next best records advance to the tournament.

Currently, the Zips sit in the seventh spot, with four consecutive games against MAC opponents coming up, starting with a doubleheader Friday against Eastern Michigan at Lee Jackson Field.

We have to put the focus on what we’re doing and not worry about other games, Jones said.

UA will need to remain in the seventh spot, or at least be in the eighth spot to make the tournament.

This was not only a big win for the Zips, but a big game for Jones.

The game was the annual Strike-Out Cancer event that tries to create awareness, provide education and raise funds for cancer research.

Jones, who survived cancer in 2003, said it is important for her players and others to realize how much help is out there.

Cancer is not a death sentence, she said. I was lucky to catch mine early.

Fans were able to participate in the event by making a direct donation to the Strike-Out Cancer program, or make a pledge for every strikeout recorded.

The softball team’s win over Ohio State was the biggest of the season, but with four MAC opponents this weekend, Jones said the team will need to refocus and play solid softball.

Little things win big games, she said.

The Zips doubleheader against Eastern Michigan will begin at 1 p.m. Friday and Central Michigan will be in town Saturday and Sunday.

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” #1.1361976:1714760384.jpg:softball BW.jpg:Designated hitter Julie Boyes watches a pitch in the first inning of the Zips 2-1 victory over Ohio State Wesdnesday at Lee Jackson Field. Lisa McLean hit an RBI single in extra innings to give the Zips the win.:Mike Hixenbaugh / The Buchtelite”