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Eastern Michigan Uses Comeback For The Victory

Marcy Hansen

EMU got off to a quick start to the game as it scored the first three runs in the contest, including a two-run home run in the first inning.

The Bulls clawed back into the game, scoring two runs in the bottom of the third. Junior Mary Russell (Apalachin, NY/Owego Free Academy) hit a one-out single and senior Lauren Picciano (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott), who returned to the UB lineup after missing the majority of the last 23 games, hit an infield singled to advance Russell. Marcy Hansen (Claremont, CA/Claremont) hit a fielder's choice to shortstop, but an error on the shortstop loaded the bases for Buffalo. Freshman Erin Zilka (Benicia, CA/Benicia) hit a single to center field, scoring the first UB run. The Bulls scored their second run of the inning on a bunt single by Laura Kor (Beaverton, OR/Westview)

Colleen Greene

UB would take the lead in the fourth inning as they put another two runs on the board. Kerry Cafazzo (Everett, MA/Everett) hit a one-out single and Picciano singled over third base with two outs to set up Hansen who hit a two-run single to right center. Buffalo added one more run in the fifth inning as Cafazzo doubled to left field, plating Colleen Greene (Cheektowaga, NY/Cleveland Hill) who singled earlier in the inning.

Sophomore Margo Schramm (Phoenix, AZ/Catalina Foothills/Iowa Lakes CC) pitched well for the Bulls, but was pulled in the sixth inning after allowing a lead off home run and then retired two, but left with runners on the corners. Schramm was replaced by Sophie Barstad (Canby, OR/Canby) who allowed a walk and then a two-run single, to give the lead back to Eastern Michigan.

The Eagles added two more in the top of the seventh, taking a three-run lead. Buffalo got off to a quick start in its half of the seventh as Greene hit a lead off double. However, the Eagles brought in Nikki Denman, who got the victory in the opener, and she set the next three Buffalo batters down, with two strikeouts and a ground out, to pick up her fourth save on the season.

Despite her performance, Schramm picked up the loss for Buffalo, as she went 5.2 innings, allowing five hits and six runs, four of them earned. The victory went to Aimee Woodrum, who pitched 2.1 innings with four hits and just one run. The Eagle pitching staff combined for 13 strikeouts.

The Bulls now begin a 14-game road trip with a doubleheader at Akron on Friday. First pitch is set for 1:00 pm at Lee Jackson Field.