PHOTO GALLERY (coming soon)

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – It was a wild start and even more hectic finish in Tuesday's home opener for the Otterbein softball team, which ended the day 1-0-1 against Bethany College in a non-conference doubleheader on campus.

The Cardinals jumped all over the Bison early in game one and ultimately prevailed by a comfortable 11-4 margin. Bethany then led 6-0 in the rematch until Otterbein came roaring back late, forcing extra innings (6-6) before the game was called due to darkness. It will not be continued and declared a tie.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Otterbein scored in each of the initial three innings to open an 8-0 lead, sparked with a pair of sac flies in the first before Taylor Baran launched a two-run homer in the second.
   
• The Cards posted four more in the third, ignited on consecutive doubles from Megan Payne and Kendall Sestili and punctuated with the first collegiate home run for Sydni Clever… another two-run blast.
   
• A run-rule victory was right there within reach in the fifth inning, but three miscues in the field allowed the Bison to ultimately cross four unearned runs.
   
• Otterbein countered to add three insurance runs in the sixth, coming on three hits and benefited by two throwing errors from Bethany.
   
• Bryn Grabowski went the distance for her third pitching win of the year, striking out seven batters in the process.
   
• Clever, Isa Lewis and Jen Sindledecker each enjoyed two-hit outings.

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS:

• Not much went right offensively for Otterbein in the rematch, as Bethany starter Josie Wise kept the Cardinals at a standstill by allowing just one hit over the first five innings.
   
• The Bison too advantage with a huge third frame, bringing five across in a sequence that saw a three-run double and forced Otterbein to make a pitching change.
   
• The Cards finally found something in the fifth, walking twice and seeing extra chances thanks to a fielding error. Sage Jenkins and Isa Lewis would make the Bison pay, each ripping a multi-RBI hit that brought around four unearned runs.
   
• Trailing 6-4 in the final at-bat, Otterbein made one last push to force extras. Caroline Heller smoked a one-out double that brought home Jenkins, and wisely advanced to third on a throw home. Payne moved the ball for a game-tying sacrifice fly moments later.
   
• Otterbein secured two quick outs in the eighth, including Heller throwing out a baserunner (placed on second) trying to take third. The game was then called due to darkness shortly thereafter.
   
• Sestili had a two-hit showing while Autumn Fowler provided a mammoth relief effort in the circle, allowing just one hit/run over five innings from the bullpen.

*NOTE: We apologize for the video stream beginning late and ending prematurely due to technical difficulties. It will be situated moving forward into future home games.

LOOKING AHEAD:

• The Cardinals will remain at home to finish out the week, hosting cross-town rival Capital in a battle for The Oar. The league-opening doubleheader is currently scheduled for Saturday but could be moved due to more potential for inclement weather.