Kent State University
7-8
Drexel
3-1
Softball Earns Split Friday at John Cropp Classic
3/11/2017 12:30:00 AM | Softball
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kent State went 1-1 on the opening day of the John Cropp Classic on Friday. The Golden Flashes had their three-game win streak snapped in a 3-2 eight-inning loss to Dayton to start the day and then defeated Drexel, 5-2, to earn a split.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to take advantage of another good outing from Ronnie," said head coach Eric Oakley. "After a disappointing loss, it was good to bounce back with some timely hits and more good pitching to split the day."
Kent State (8-8) was able score enough runs in its second game of the day to get a win but had a difficult time pushing runs across the plate throughout the day. The Flashes left 15 runners on base, as they were 0-for-4 with the bases loaded and 2-for-16 with two outs.
Senior Maddy Grimm had a big day at the plate with two home runs, a double and four RBIs. Grimm also drew a pair of walks and scored a team-high three runs. Sophomore Hunter Brancifort drove in a run and had three hits. Junior Holly Speers hit two doubles and had one RBI.
Senior Ronnie Ladines (3-4) threw 10 innings and earned a save against Drexel. Ladines was a tough-luck loser against Dayton, as she allowed just one earned run in a complete game effort. She totaled 11 strikeouts and just two walks.
Due to anticipated low temperatures on Saturday, the tournament schedule has been revised and Kent State will only play #20 Kentucky at 3 p.m.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Hayes, Janel (5-2)
L: Grippe (1-1)
Batting:
2B: Rush 1 ; Walker 1
RBI: Rush 1 ; Okoniewski 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Reed 1 ; Gardner 1
SB: Reed 1 ; Lightfoot 1 ; Okoniewski 1
Batting:
2B: Grimm, Maddy 1 ; Speers, Holly 2 ; Cader, Jen 1
HR: Grimm, Maddy 1
RBI: Grimm, Maddy 2 ; Speers, Holly 1 ; Cader, Jen 1 ; Brancifort, Hunter 1
SH: Dobbin, Emily 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Abeska, Kellie 1 ; Grimm, Maddy 2 ; Speers, Holly 1 ; Cader, Jen 1
