Wooster Ties Season-High 18 Hits in 10-6 Nightcap Win Over Hiram

Despite exceptional pitching, The College of Wooster softball team dropped the lid-lifter 2-1 to Hiram College, but then got redemption in the nightcap, as the Scots' bats ignited to smack 18 hits in a 10-6 win in North Coast Athletic Conference action at Hiram, Ohio.

The Scots (18-14, 4-4 NCAC) received a quality performance from pitcher Jenn Horton in the opening game, as she allowed just four hits and one walked batter while striking out six in the circle, but Hiram (15-13, 5-3 NCAC) was able to cash in on its limited opportunities.

The Terriers led off the bottom of the third inning with back-to-back singles, and later plated a runner on a Jenna Ervin sacrifice fly. Then in the fourth, Hiram recorded its last two hits of the game, a double, and an RBI triple that gave them a 2-0 lead.

Erica Villa singled in the sixth, and advanced to second on a throwing error, allowing Lauren Sargi to knock her home with a single later in the inning. Now down 2-1 in the seventh, Rachel Gaines hit a lead off double, but Wooster eventually hit into a double play and flied out to halt the comeback attempt.

Wooster's offense exploded in game two, as nine different players recorded a hit, and seven had two or more hits. The Scots had built a 5-0 lead after just two innings, and then steadily added more runs in the fourth, fifth, and seventh inning.

Caitlin Gaffney led the way in the win, going 4-for-5 at the plate with three RBI and a run scored. Lauren Swinehart went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI, and Kelley Johnson was 2-for-3 and walked twice. Gina Pirolozzi notched her seventh win of the season, striking out two batters and allowing just three earned runs in five innings of work.

The Scots will host non-conference foe John CarrollJohn Carroll University, who holds an identical 18-14 overall record, on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.