Griffins Rally In The Seventh, But Fall Short In Extra Innings Against Otterbein

TUCSON, Ariz.—The Fontbonne University softball team plated two runs in the seventh to take the lead against Otterbein, however, the Cardinals tied it in the bottom of the inning and won the game in the bottom of the eighth, 3-2.

The Griffins (0-9), finished with three hits as Emelia Modglin, Diamond Thomas and Emily Cardwell had one each. On the rubber, Maddy Strickland pitched well, tossing 7.1 innings of nine hit ball, allowing three runs (two earned) and struck out one.

Otterbein (3-4), meanwhile, scattered nine hits and they were led by Savannah Sarkine. The third baseman belted two solo homers, including one in the home half of the seventh to tie the game. Gabby Johnson was able to outduel Strickland as she went the distance, allowing two runs (zero earned) and struck out 12.

The game remained scoreless up until the third when Sarkine gave the Cardinals a 1-0 lead on a lead-off solo homer.

Otterbein kept that one-run advantage until the top of the seventh. Modglin got things going with a two-out double to left-center and moved up a base on an error by the centerfielder.

Strickland, then helped herself, reaching base on an error by the shortstop, which tied the game up 1-1. Thomas followed with a base hit to right and she raced around to third, plating Strickland to give the Griffins a 2-1 lead.

However, in the bottom of the seventh, Sarkine struck again, hitting a solo shot to right making it a 2-2 game. In the 8^th, the Griffins had a runner on third but the Cardinals got the pick-off to keep it tied.

In the home half, Alyson Shaw was placed on second and moved up a base on a sacrifice bunt. Bailey McElwain brought her home with a single, giving Otterbein the 3-2 win.

The Griffins return to action tomorrow afternoon against Coe. First-pitch at 2:30 p.m.

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates and recaps on the Griffins softball team.