“The University of Akron softball team (13-19, 2-4 MAC) split this weekend’s series with Western Michigan (7-17, 2-6) losing the first game 5-4 and winning the second 4-2. The Zips were within one run in the seventh inning on Saturday but were unable to take advantage of Western Michigan’s mistakes.”
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The University of Akron softball team (13-19, 2-4 MAC) split this weekend’s series with Western Michigan (7-17, 2-6) losing the first game 5-4 and winning the second 4-2.

The Zips were within one run in the seventh inning on Saturday but were unable to take advantage of Western Michigan’s mistakes.

I thought we came back well, even though we were down, head coach Julie Jones said. They still have some fight in them and I am very happy with them today.

The Zips, who were down 5-0 heading into the sixth, scored four runs in the last two innings.

Junior Alex Feltes started things off in the sixth inning when she hit a double down the left field line. A pitch hit freshmen Alissa Birkhimer and junior Heather Bauer drove in a run with an RBI single which led to two more runs on an error and a wild pitch.

Heading into the seventh with the score 5-3, the Zips tacked on one more run when Bauer drove in Feltes with a one out base hit to make the score 5-4.

The Zips were unable to score again due to a strikeout and a fly-out.

Junior Alex Reideman went on to pitch four and a half innings, while giving up five hits, two earned runs and striking out three in the loss.

I thought Alex (Reideman) pitched very well today, Jones said.

Sophomore Andrea Arney also would come into the game for relief, pitching a total of two and a third innings, striking out two and giving up no earned runs or hits.

Offensively Akron was led by Feltes, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles, and two runs scored, while Bauer batted 2-for-3 with one run scored.

Sunday, the Zips redeemed themselves by beating Western Michigan 4-2.

We needed this win very badly and I thought the team played very well today, Jones said.

Reideman led the Zips on the mound again pitching a complete game and improving her record to 2-3, giving up two earned runs and four hits.

Akron scored first in the game when junior Monica Shorter drove in sophomore Allison Dorr off a double down the left field line.

The Zips added two more in the third when Bauer hit a double driving in senior Krista Hansen and Feltes.

Akron scored its final run in the fifth inning when slick running sophomore Alex Helfrich led off with a bunt down the line. She then stole second base making it her 12th of the season as she was now in scoring position. A throwing error then brought in Helfrich putting the Zips up 4-0.

Western Michigan scored its first run in the sixth and their second and final run came in the seventh.

The Zips will round up their homestand April 13, with a double header at 4 p.m. against Dayton at Lee Jackson Field.

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