STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
BUFFALO — The visiting Akron Zips broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh as they defeated the University at Buffalo softball team, 3-2, Wednesday afternoon at Nan Harvey Field.
The Bulls had an early opportunity to score as they loaded the bases with just one away in the bottom of the second inning, but UB was unable to get the ball out of the infield and came away empty.
Akron scored the first two runs of the afternoon in the top of the fourth on a home run from Savannah Fruin, but the Bulls answered by tying the game up in the fifth. Junior Leandra Jew hit a one-out bunt single and she came in to score on a long double to left center from freshman Jessica Goldyn, who advanced to third on an Akron error. Goldyn then came in to score on an Akron fielding error, tying the game up at 2-2.
Neither team was able to score in the sixth, sending the game into the seventh all tied up. A couple of errors by the Bulls put two on for the Zips and they both moved into scoring position with one out. Laura Lakins was at the plate for Akron when she hit a fly ball foul, but the Bulls made the catch and Akron scored the go-ahead run on the sacrifice fly. UB went in order in the bottom of the seventh.
Junior Charlotte Miller scattered just four hits in 7.0 innings of work, but allowed three runs, two of those earned, while striking out six batters. Akron’s Lexie Handley recorded the win to improve to 14-13.
Both teams finished the game with four hits as sophomore Catrell Robertson remained hot for the Bulls, going 2-for-3 from the plate. Goldyn and Jew had the other two hits in that fifth inning.
Buffalo will now begin an eight-game road trip on Friday when they open a series at Bowling Green. First pitch on Friday is set for 3 p.m.
