Thursday, April 15, 2021

UW-Whitewater Softball Drops Two in WIAC Play

Box Score Game 1: https://uwwsports.com/sports/softball/stats/2021/uw-oshkosh/boxscore/15366

Box Score Game 2: https://uwwsports.com/sports/softball/stats/2021/uw-oshkosh/boxscore/15368

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team held leads past the halfway point in each of the games it played Thursday afternoon but fell in back-to-back contests at UW-Oshkosh in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader.

The Warhawks (11-7 overall, 1-3 WIAC) were defeated 5-4 in the opener after the Titans plated three runs in the bottom of the seventh. UW-W dropped a 9-4 decision in Game 2 after UW-Oshkosh scored seven runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good.

In Game 1, catcher Nikki Mikosz knocked a pair of home runs, including a two-run shot in the top of the second inning to give UW-Whitewater a 2-1 lead and a solo homer to lead off the top of the fifth.

The Warhawks’ advantage increased to three runs later in the fifth on a run-scoring single through the left side by designated player Kennedy Cox.

Pitcher Kate Cleveland dropped to 4-3 on the year with the loss, striking out four over 6 1/3 innings.

Third baseman Meg Cohrs, right fielder Meghan Dunning and second baseman Delaney Becker also tallied hits for UW-Whitewater. Centerfielder Vera Pflugradt reached base twice on a pair of walks.

In the nightcap, the Warhawks led 4-2 through 4 1/2 innings before the Titans (10-4, 2-0) broke the game open in the bottom of the fifth.

Cox totaled a team-high three hits, and left fielder Krista Sbarra posted two hits and two RBIs. Mikosz collected a two-run double and added two walks at the plate. Becker and first baseman Kaleigh O’Brien each registered one hit and one run scored.

Starting pitcher Rhiann Dick took the loss, falling to 3-3 for the season. Kathryn Kinsella, Annie Morelli and Marissa Adams each made appearances in relief.

UW-Whitewater continues play on the road this Saturday at UW-Stout. First pitch of the WIAC doubleheader is set for 2 p.m.