OAKLAND CITY, Ind. – The IU Columbus softball team faced a tough day on the road, falling to Oakland City in both games of a doubleheader. In the first matchup, the team was unable to overcome an early deficit, losing 3-1. The second game was a similarly tough challenge, as IU Columbus fell 7-3 despite a late rally.
Game 1: Oakland City, 1-3
In the opening game, IU Columbus struggled to generate offense, managing just seven hits throughout the contest. The game started off with Oakland City quickly taking control, scoring two runs in the first inning. Emma Williams and Hallie McCracken each contributed with an RBI, giving Oakland City a 2-0 lead.
IU Columbus didn't get on the scoreboard until the fourth inning when Mallory Shelton singled up the middle, driving in Gracie Holok from second base to make it 3-1. Despite the effort, the team couldn't muster any more runs, and Oakland City held firm to secure the win.
Gracie Holok had a solid performance at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a run scored, while Mallory Shelton's single accounted for the lone run for IU Columbus. Starting pitcher Erica Henry went the distance for IU Columbus, allowing three runs (all earned) on just one hit while striking out two. Despite a strong outing from Henry, the lack of offensive production hindered the Crimson Pride from making a comeback.
Game 2: Oakland City, 3-7
The second game of the doubleheader saw more struggles for IU Columbus in the early innings, as they once again found themselves behind after the first frame. Oakland City's Emma Williams led the charge with a two-run home run in the first inning, giving the hosts an early 2-1 lead.
Oakland City continued to build on that advantage with a three-run effort in the fourth inning. They capitalized on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single, extending their lead to 5-2.
The Crimson Pride showed some fight in the sixth inning, as Izzy Johnson stole second base, and Lex Heafner stole home in a daring play to narrow the gap to 5-3. However, Oakland City answered right back with two more runs in their half of the inning, including an RBI single from Madison Shipley and another run-scoring hit from Hallie McCracken, putting the game out of reach at 7-3.
The IU Columbus offense was again held in check, with only three hits on the day. Emma Chism drove in two of the team's runs, going 1-for-3 with an RBI single in the third inning, while Lily Culp went 1-for-3 with a double.
Pitcher Justice Cash took the loss in Game 2, allowing five earned runs over 3.1 innings of work. Maddison Brittain and Jessica Ebersole came in relief, but the damage had already been done.
Looking Ahead
The doubleheader loss drops the Crimson Pride to 7-15 on the season, with a 4-6 record in conference play. The team will look to regroup and improve as they head back home for their back-to-back conference doubleheaders this weekend. Opening up with Rio Grande on Friday (Mar. 28). First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.
