SOFTBALL YSU splits pair with Ohio U.

Kelly Murphy foiled Ohio U. in game one, but YSU blew a big lead in game two.
CANFIELD -- The Youngstown State softball team used a four-run first inning and another solid pitching performance from sophomore Kelly Murphy to pull out a 4-2 win over Ohio University Friday in game one of a doubleheader at McCune Park.
In game two, Youngstown State scored six runs in the first three innings, but the Bobcats scored nine unanswered runs to garner the split, 9-6.
YSU is 28-16 and Murphy improved to 14-8.
In the opener, senior Lacey Reichert began the Penguins' rally with a two-out double to right-center field.
Berry raps seventh
On the very next pitch, senior Amanda Berry drilled her seventh home run of the season to give the Penguins a 2-0 edge.
After junior Char Kudlock walked and classmate Kiisha Warfield single to left field, senior Amber Smith capped YSU's scoring with a two-out, two-run double to left-center field.
The Bobcats (18-24) posted an unearned run in the top of the second, and scored once more in the top of the fifth to cut the Penguins' lead in half, 4-2.
OU threatened to tie the game in that frame with runners at second and third and one out, but Murphy, who struck out six, enticed two ground balls to third base to diffuse the threat.
In the nightcap, YSU scored once in the first, twice in the second and three more in the third inning to jump out to a 6-0 advantage.
Capitalize on errors
Ohio capitalized on three YSU errors in the top of the fourth to slice the lead to 6-4, scoring three unearned runs.
The Bobcats added three more runs in the top of the fifth sparked by Robin Miller's three-run home run, and tallied two more unearned runs in the top of the sixth frame.
The Penguins ripped 11 hits, led by Reichert who went 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Smith and senior Jenn Hartman, each added two hits. Hartman also drove in two runs.
YSU will continue its home stand against Cleveland State on Thursday. The first pitch is slated for 5 p.m.