Tigers Split Key NCAC Doubleheader With Kenyon
GAMBIER, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers didn't get everything they wanted, but they got just enough to remain right in the thick of the chase for a spot in the 2009 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament with a doubleheader split with rival Kenyon.
GAMBIER, Ohio - The Wittenberg Tigers didn't get everything they wanted, but they got just enough to remain right in the thick of the chase for a spot in the 2009 North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) Tournament with a doubleheader split with rival Kenyon.
After losing the opener 4-1 and winning the second game 4-0, the Tigers now stand 13-19 overall and 5-5 in the NCAC, heading into a crucial set of contests at Wooster on Saturday. Kenyon is neck and neck with Wittenberg at 17-17 overall and 6-6 in the conference.
In the opener, senior ace Rachael Hatcher (West Carrollton, Ohio/West Carrollton) dropped to 9-5 on the season despite a complete-game, eight-strikeout performance. Unfortunately, she got off to a slow start, giving up three runs in the first two innings. For the game, Hatcher yielded nine hits and a walk, leading to four runs (two earned).
Offensively, Wittenberg managed six hits but stranded six runners. The only Tiger to dent home plate was junior Brooke Boswell (Hamilton, Ohio/Fairfield), who hit her first home run of 2009.
With their backs to the wall, the Tigers came up with a fine performance in Game 2, thanks in small part to Boswell's all-around play. In addition to her 2-for-3, two runs scored batting line, Boswell shut out the Ladies on eight hits and three walks. She was supported by multi-hit days from senior Julie Ziegler (Sandusky, Ohio/Perkins), who also drive in two runs, and junior Jade Chivington (Bellefontaine, Ohio/Bellefontaine), who was a perfect 3-for-3 to push her season batting average back above .300.