Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO – The Cardinals split a pair of games with Wittenberg University Thursday evening at Betty Doughman Dillahunt Field.

The Otterbein University softball team claimed game one, 3-2, while the host Tigers took game two, 3-0. The Cardinals will head into the bulk of their Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) schedule at 8-4. Meanwhile, Wittenberg moves to 11-7 this season.  

The Cards received a strong pitching performance from sophomore Kelsey Long (3-0) in game one.  Long went the distance, allowing only two hits and two runs (both unearned) while striking out three.

Otterbein got on the board early when senior Casey Clarridge scored on an error by the Wittenberg centerfielder. Clarridge singled and stole second to get into scoring position.

The Cardinals extended their lead in the third. Sophomore Laura Basford led the inning off with a walk and stole second. After Clarridge reached on an infield single, junior catcher Erin Carpenter doubled to bring both runs in and give Otterbein a 3-0 lead.

Wittenberg managed to cut into the deficit after a two-error fifth inning by the Cardinals. The Tigers scored twice on one hit to narrow the Otterbein lead to 3-2.

While the Cards were unable to extend their lead, Long held her own and retired the final six batters to earn the victory for Otterbein.

In game two Wittenberg struck early and never looked back. The Tigers grabbed two runs in the first and added another in the fourth to claim a 3-0 win.

Sophomore Maggie McMahan (1-2) took the loss for the Cardinals. She allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and struck out six over six innings.

Otterbein was limited to three hits in the night cap, and only five runners on base total.

The Cards return to action this Saturday, March 24, when they host Baldwin-Wallace College in the OAC opener for both teams. It will also be Otterbein's home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.