CMU softball seizes game two against Buffalo
The Central Michigan University softball team celebrates sophomore Carly Sleeman getting her first home run as a Chip in Margo Jonker Stadium on Friday, March 21, 2025. (CM-Life | Jasmine Brookins)
With runners on first and second in the top of the fourth, Central Michigan softball held a 2-0 lead over Buffalo as sophomore Carly Sleeman took the plate.
Sleeman launched a double into center field clearing the bases to extend CMU's lead to four, which was too much for the Bulls to overcome with the game finishing 9-0 in favor of the Chippewas.
CMU advances to 13-15 on the season and 5-2 in Mid-American Conference play, extending its win streak to six.
Central Michigan wasted no time getting on the scoreboard with a home run from Sleeman, setting the tone in the top of the first inning, allowing CMU to take a quick 1-0 lead after only two batters.
Buffalo started the bottom of the first inning with a hit, but ultimately left the runner stranded on second base as the inning closed.
Sophomore Keira Tolmie started the top of the second inning off hot by hitting a double to right field, and immediately making it to third after a sacrifice hit from sophomore Emma Lotus. Tolmie later reached home plate, granting the Chippewas a 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the second.
The woes continued for Buffalo going three-and-out in the bottom of the second, giving the team from Mount Pleasant a chance to extend the lead in the top of the third.
CMU loaded the bases in the top of the third inning with only one out, but the Chippewas were unable to bring anyone home, finishing the inning without extending its lead.
Central Michigan was able to grow its lead in the top of the fourth inning after a series of hits put runners on first and second with two outs.
That is when Sleeman hit a double into center field to clean the bases, expanding the lead to four with Buffalo unable to find an answer for CMU's offense.
The Chippewas tacked on five runs in the top of the fifth with a Tori Briggs home run ending the scoring making the final score 9-0 as Buffalo was unable to respond in the final inning.
Redshirt sophomore Mackenzie Langan was the starting pitcher for the team from Mount Pleasant who was accredited the win, making her 5-6 on the season as a starter.
The series was initially expected to be a double-header, but the second game was cancelled midway through the second inning following a rain delay. CMU led 5-0 at the time of cancellation.
Central Michigan softball is back at Margo Jonker Stadium at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1 to take on rival Western Michigan for a double-header.
