FORT WAYNE, Ind. — In a thrilling matchup, the Akron Zips edged out the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons 3-2 in extra innings on Tuesday. Senior Autumn Bailey scored the decisive run thanks to junior Brooke Sivek’s game-winning RBI in the ninth inning.
Freshman Sydney Selker shone bright in the game, going 2-for-4 with a homerun, a double, two RBIs, and one run scored. Sivek contributed with a hit, a walk, and her crucial RBI. In total, five players made notable contributions to the Zips’ offense, with Lee, Selker, and Bailey all crossing home plate.
Sophomore Mallory Herwerden (1-0) secured the victory for Akron, pitching 3.1 perfect innings without allowing a hit. Starting pitcher Madie Jamrog held her own for four innings, giving up one run but showing good control with no walks and one strikeout.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Zips started off slowly, trailing 1-0 until the fifth inning. That’s when Selker launched her homerun, driving in Meagan Lee and putting Akron ahead 2-1. The Mastodons fought back to tie the game at 2, but Sivek’s timely hit in the ninth put Akron back on top, sealing the 3-2 victory.
Game highlights included:
- Selker’s impressive performance with two extra base hits.
- A strong fifth inning where the Zips scored their most runs.
- An effective pitching strategy that forced 13 ground balls and 12 fly balls.
As the Zips prepare for their upcoming three-game series against Central Michigan, their recent form showcases both resilience and talent. With the right mindset, they aim to continue their winning streak this weekend.
This victory is significant not just in terms of scoring; it reflects a trend in college softball. According to recent statistics, teams with strong bullpens tend to perform better in close games, which lines up with the Zips’ reliance on their bullpen’s performance. Baseball and softball continue to grow in popularity, with trends indicating increased viewership and participation among younger athletes. As these sports evolve, fans can expect exciting developments and players like Selker emerging as standout stars.
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