Erica Villa

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster softball team got tripped up in their home-opening doubleheader Thursday, as Heidelberg University swept the Fighting Scots 8-0 and 6-0 behind a pair of solid pitching performances.

In the first game, Heidelberg's (18-4) Dana Thomas allowed just three hits over six innings of work. Wooster's (8-12) best opportunity to put runs on the scoreboard came in the third inning, when Rachel Frank drew a walk and Erica Villa advanced her on a single down the third base line, but Thomas got the 'Berg out of the frame unharmed.

Game two was highlighted by pitcher Lexie Pinkelman, who improved to 10-1 on the season after allowing five hits and striking out nine Wooster batters. Kelley Johnson kicked off the first inning by smacking a shot deep down the right field line that she turned into a stand up triple. Later in the inning, Swinehart got on base with a single, and stole second to put her and Johnson in scoring position, but the Scots failed to capitalize.

Overall, Wooster managed eight hits on the day, and Erica Villa led the way by hitting safely in both games. Also noteworthy, Danielle Grooms hit a double in the nightcap, and Tiara Patton recorded her first career hit with a single up the middle in the same game.

The Scots will look to bounce back when they start conference play this weekend, as they visit Ohio Wesleyan University on Saturday at 1 p.m.