March 26, 2008

Note - See schedule page for box scores

GREENSBURG - The Clarion University softball team was swept in a doubleheader at Seton Hill Wednesday including dropping a heartbreaking 8-7 decision in the nightcap after taking a 7-3 lead to the bottom of the seventh.

The Golden Eagles (1-6) lost Game One 9-1 in six innings allowing Seton Hill (4-14) to score eight runs in the final two innings.

GAME ONE - Seton Hill 9, Clarion 1, 6 innings, 8-run rule

The game was tight for four innings with Clarion trailing 1-0 going to the bottom of the fifth. But Seton Hill scored three in the fifth before winning the game with five more in the sixth putting the 8-run Mercy Rule into effect.

Kara Kelosky and Carlie Cook each had doubles for Clarion with Cook driving in Kelosky.

Lindsday Vevers took the loss going five innings and allowing four runs, three earned, on seven hits and three walks. She struck out one. Valorie Rankin relieved and went 1/3 of an inning allowing five runs, four earned, on four hits and a walk.

GAME TWO - Seton Hill 8, Clarion 7

Thanks to a five-run fourth inning, Clarion led 7-2 going to the bottom of the fifth and 7-3 heading to the bottom of the seventh.

But Louanne Wiegand led off the seventh by drawing a walk off of Rankin, who went the entire way, and Becky Bitsko singled putting runners at first and second. Lyndsey Nusser then brought the Griffins within three with an RBI double, and Amy Kirby walked loading the bases. Melanie Benson then tied the game when she doubled driving home Bitsko and Nusser with Kirby scoring on an error by centerfielder Cook. Benson took third on the play. After Sarah Tollison lined out to center, Holly Thomas brought home the winning run with a single.

Ashley Grisnik, Kelosky and Katie Baun were each 2-for-3 with Baun also scoring two runs and getting an RBI. Grisnik had a run scored and an RBI, while Kelosky scored a run and had a double. Lauren Martino also doubled for Clarion.

Rankin took the loss going 6 1/3 innings and allowing eight runs, seven earned, on 14 hits and three walks. She struck out one.

Clarion returns to action Friday when it opens PSAC-West play at Lock Haven.