Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Ohio University
Bobcats Steal 1-0 Victory from Hoosiers
4/20/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 19, 2006
ATHENS, Ohio - The Indiana softball team fell to Ohio in Athens on April 19, by a score of 1-0. The Hoosiers, who had no trouble at the plate as they out-hit the Bobcats 6-4, could not overcome a stingy Ohio defense that stranded six Hoosiers to seal the shutout victory.
With the loss, Indiana fell to 21-21-1 on the season, while Ohio improved to 23-26 on the year
In a strong outing, senior pitcher Megan Roark allowed only four hits and a run in the loss, while the Pleasant Hill, Calif., native forced numerous batters out of their zone, resulting in easy groudouts for the Hoosier infield.
The Hoosiers also had they share of chances late in the contest, but a quick and solid fielding effort by the Bobcats prevented a Hoosier run. However, Ohio took a 1-0 lead early in top of the second and never relinquished its hold on the game.
The Hoosiers best scoring opportunity came in the bottom of the six, as the Hoosiers looked primed to score with the bases loaded and just one out.
Senior designated player Mariangee Bogado reached off an error by the shortstop to open the frame, while freshman second baseman Sarah Padove laid down a well-placed bunt to advance the senior and earn a trip to first on the next at bat. Continuing the Hoosiers' roll through the inning, a fielder's choice sent sophomore third baseman Jennilee Huddleston to first on her plate appearance, while Bogado was thrown out at third. Senior right fielder Lauren Hines earned a free trip after being hit by a pitch to finally load the bases.
With the pressure on, the Bobcats held strong and escaped the scare on back-to-back strikeouts.
In the Hoosiers' half of the seventh, IU showed they were not going to go without a fight. Freshman shortstop Stephanie Pellerito ripped a single to left field to put the Hoosiers in scoring contention at first. The shot brought the Bobcat fielder to the ground as she dove to prevent a double.
With the game on the line, Ohio's first baseman made a diving snag to catch sophomore catcher Janetta Deaven's bunt before throwing out Pellerito at first. A Hoosier strikeout, unfortunately, sealed the victory for the Bobcats.
Indiana returns to the diamond when it hosts a pair of Big Ten foes, Wisconsin and Iowa. The Hoosiers welcome the Badgers for a two-day series on April 21-22, while the Hawkeyes come to the IU Softball Field for a doubleheader on April 23.
