“The Akron Zips softball team (18-28) split a doubleheader with the Niagara Purple Eagles (15-15) on Tuesday losing the first game 9-2 and winning the second 6-4. The Zips scored first in the first game off a throwing error when sophomore Alex Helfrich stole third.”
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The Akron Zips softball team (18-28) split a doubleheader with the Niagara Purple Eagles (15-15) on Tuesday losing the first game 9-2 and winning the second 6-4.

The Zips scored first in the first game off a throwing error when sophomore Alex Helfrich stole third.

Niagara struck back with a three run home run in the second (1-3).

Akron scored its second run in the third when junior Alex Feltes drove in junior Heather Bauer off a double down the left field line.

Niagara added four more runs in the fourth off four hits and give up two more runs in the fifth and sixth innings to win the game 9-2.

Junior Alex Reidemen pitched 3.1 innings, giving up six earned runs and striking out one.

Freshman Alissa Birkhimer also pitched in the game, coming in for relief and throwing 3.2 innings. Birkhimer gave up three earned runs and struck out three.

Offensively the Zips were led by Helfrich who batted 2-for-4 with one run scored. Freshman Cassie Gleisner also had a triple in the game, while three other Zips had a hit each.

The Zips got on the board early in their second game when Birkhimer hit her fifth home run of the season in the second inning.

Niagara scored their first run off a UA error in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases off three base hits.

Akron answered back by scoring five runs off of six hits in the bottom of that inning.

Niagara would try to get a late rally started in the seventh scoring three runs on three hits including a home run, but the Purple Eagles would be unable to score any more runs.

Starting on the mound for the Zips was Heather Bauer who improved to 7-6 and gave up three earned runs and struck out three.

Birkhimer led the Zips offensively going 3-for-3 with a home run and one RBI.

Juniors Sarah Early and Bauer also went 2-for-3 in the game.

The Zips will return to the diamond April 30 at Lee Jackson Field against Bowling Green for a 1 p.m. doubleheader.

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