April 28, 2007

Box Score

DEKALB, Ill. -The Northern Illinois University softball team lost the series opener to Akron, 2-0, in extra innings Saturday at Mary M. Bell field. It was the Huskies' second extra innings game in as many games.

Akron's (16-20, 7-6) Katrina Moffett drove in the only two runs of the game when she doubled to left center field in the top of the eighth inning. Taryn Hagemann pitched a solid seven and two-thirds innings, but after getting the first two batters in the eighth, she gave up a two-out double to Cali Stratton. The Huskies (19-23, 8-9) intentionally walked designated player Julie Boyes sending Moffett to the plate.

Freshman Kate Greenough was brought in to pitch the remainder of the inning. A passed ball allowed the runners to advance a base, putting Zips at second and third when Moffett delivered the eventual game-winning hit. The two runs were charged to Hagemann.

"Taryn had a great day," NIU head coach Donna Martin said. "She pitched a shut out til the eighth inning. Kate left a pitch up and they hit it. It's that simple."

Hagemann (7-12) suffered the loss allowing two runs on five hits. Greenough pitched a third of an inning giving up one hit. The Huskies struggled offensively. They had seven hits but nothing to show for it. NIU threatened in the bottom of the eighth with runners at first and third with two outs, but the Huskies were unable drive in the runners.

"We had lots of scoring chances, we just didn't put the ball down in play," Martin said. "That's what the game came down to. We could not put a bunt down or a slap down to advance a runner."

The Huskies will be back in action Sunday when they wrap up their two-game series with the Zips at Mary M. Bell Field. The Huskies will honor seniors Kelly Park and Ellen Stoddard prior to first pitch at 1 p.m. Fans can catch all the action live on GameTracker at niuhuskies.com.