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ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Golden Grizzlies tallied 16 total runs of offense in their final pair of games in the regular season, splitting the end of the series against Youngstown State.<\/p>\n
GAME 1<\/p>\n
The Golden Grizzlies fell in a close 11-10 contest to start the day. Despite a strong third inning with seven runs, the Golden Grizzlies could not hold off the Penguins’ late five-run surge in the seventh inning.<\/p>\n
Youngstown State took an early lead in the second inning with five runs, capitalizing on a fielding error and key hits. The score stood at 5-0 in favor of the Penguins after the second inning.<\/p>\n
The Golden Grizzlies responded strongly in the third inning, scoring seven runs. Brooklyn Wyczalek<\/a> started with a single, followed by hits from Alexa Kownacki<\/a> and a key fielding error that loaded the bases. Addison Caldwell’s<\/a> sacrifice fly brought in the first run, and Maggie Murphy<\/a> delivered a three-run homer. This impressive performance contributed to Murphy recording a season-high 4 runs batted in. Additional runs scored on another error, giving the Golden Grizzlies a 7-5 lead at the end of the third inning.<\/p>\n In the fourth inning, the Golden Grizzlies extended their lead. Murphy doubled, and Annabel Power<\/a>, pinch running, scored on Kayla Turmell’s<\/a> triple. Autumn Liebhauser’s<\/a> sacrifice fly added another run, bringing the score to 10-5 for the Golden Grizzlies by the end of the fourth inning.<\/p>\n YSU narrowed the gap in the sixth inning with a run, making it 10-6. In a dramatic seventh inning, the Penguins rallied for five runs, aided by a fielding error and a series of hits, ultimately overtaking the Golden Grizzlies with an 11-10 lead.<\/p>\n Maggie Murphy<\/a> led the charge with two hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs. Kayla Turmell<\/a> contributed significantly with three hits, adding one double and one triple, while scoring twice. Brooklyn Plitz<\/a> was a key figure on base, scoring two runs and collecting two hits. Nelson pitched four innings, striking out three batters, despite taking the loss.<\/p>\n GAME 2<\/p>\n The Golden Grizzlies were able to exact revenge in the series finale, toughing their way to a 6-3 win.<\/p>\n In the first inning, Brooklyn Plitz<\/a> tripled to center field and scored on a double by Maggie Murphy<\/a>. Addison Caldwell<\/a>, who pinch ran for Murphy, scored when Kam Troyer doubled to left field. The Golden Grizzlies led 2-0 after the first inning. Notably, Plitz has recorded at least 2 hits in 4 straight games, continuing her impressive hitting streak.<\/p>\n The second inning saw further success for the Golden Grizzlies. Alexa Kownacki<\/a> was hit by a pitch, and Alyssa Balcom<\/a> followed with a two-run homer to center field. Plitz singled, advanced to second on a groundout, and scored on another double by Troyer. Kayla Turmell<\/a> then singled to bring Troyer home. At the end of the second inning, the Golden Grizzlies were ahead 6-0. This marked the second consecutive game in which they scored at least 6 runs.<\/p>\n In the top of the sixth inning, the Penguins got on the scoreboard. With bases loaded, a walk brought in one run, and a single by Bottomlee drove in two more. Despite this effort, YSU’s rally left them trailing 6-3 as the Golden Grizzlies maintained their lead.<\/p>\n The Golden Grizzlies’ defense held firm in the seventh inning, sealing their 6-3 win over the Penguins.<\/p>\n Maraina Smith<\/a> started on the mound for the Golden Grizzlies, pitching 1 1\/3 innings without allowing a hit, run, or walk. Mary Newton<\/a> followed with 2\/3 of an inning, maintaining the no-hit performance. Alyssa Balcom<\/a> earned the win, pitching four innings and allowing five hits, three runs, two of which were earned, along with three walks and posting a season-high total of three strikeouts. Kama Skrek<\/a> secured the save with a one-inning appearance, conceding one hit and no runs.<\/p>\n