Underwood's two home runs carry softball over Miami (Ohio)
Erika Underwood’s two home runs propelled Central Michigan softball to a 3-2 win over Miami (Ohio) April 1 at Margo Jonker Stadium.
CMU, winners of four straight, swept the RedHawks to improved their overall record to 13-15 with a 3-3 record in Mid-American Conference action. The RedHawks dropped to 13-15 (2-4 MAC).
The Chippewas struck in the first inning with Underwood’s first home run of the game, giving the home team an early 1-0 lead.
Miami responded in the top half of the fourth inning with a two-run home run from Johniann Wahl to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. CMU's Kayla Noch single to score freshman Shaidan Knapp and tie the game 2-2.
Neither team scored in the following three innings — forcing extra innings. Neither team scored in the eighth, but Underwood ended the game in the bottom of the ninth with her second home run of the game and sixth of the season — giving CMU a 3-2 victory.
Underwood finished 2-of-4 two home runs and a walk. Senior Madison Kalina added three hits, while senior Lacy Tolfree finished 2-of-5 with her 14th stolen base of the season.
Senior Hanna Warren pitched four innings, allowing two runs off three hits with a strikeout. Taylor Weaver earned her second win of the season, tossing five shutout innings, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out three.
Miami’s Courtney Vierstra pitched eight and two-third innings, allowing three earned runs off 11 hits, issuing one walk and striking out four.
CMU travels to Kalamazoo at 1 p.m. April 3 to face Western Michigan in a doubleheader.
