BEXLEY, Ohio – The Otterbein softball team just barely missed a doubleheader sweep across town at rival Capital on Friday afternoon, instead beginning conference play with a split after a late comeback from the Comets.

Otterbein used a huge fifth inning to ultimately claim the opener (8-6), before Capital used some heroics to stay alive in the rematch and sneak away with a 6-5 outcome in extra innings.

GAME 1 RECAP:

• The Comets delivered a two-run homer in the first inning of the day, but Otterbein hung close and only trailed 2-1 entering the fifth.
   
• That frame would see the Cardinals explode for five runs, taking full advantage of some early miscues by the home side and batting around. Caroline Heller and Isa Lewis would later rip 2-RBI knocks, including a triple from Lewis, while Rachel Miller also brought home a run.
   
• Capital, down 8-2 late, didn't go quietly with four runs in the sixth to make the end very interesting. But Kiley King helped toss a scoreless seventh to preserve the W.
   
• Kennedi Endsley and Isa Lewis combined to hit 5 for 8 while Maggie McVicker picked up her third win of the spring, allowing three earned over fine innings.

GAME 2 RECAP:

• A pitching showdown between Riley Hamm and Megan Mlinaric broke out to start the rematch, which saw a 1-0 Capital lead into the fifth inning.
   
• Following a similar script, the Cards erupted yet again for a four-piece combo in the frame. Small ball manufactured the first run, additional miscues from Capital helped bring around a deuce, and a nice RBI-single from Caitlin Wilkins helped bring it all together.
   
• The Comets responded with a home run and other ensuing hits in the bottom half to get within 5-3, and then later faced their final out in the bottom of the seventh… Capital had just a runner on first base, but an infield single an then 2-RBI double kept the home team alive into extras.
   
• Otterbein got two runners on to begin the eighth after consecutive singles from Megan Payne and Miller, with both moving into scoring position after a nice sac bunt from Avery Yoder. Unfortunately, the next two batters would be retired and the score remained.
   
• Capital emerged in the bottom portion of the eighth, using a hit batter and then pair of Cardinal mishaps (the latter with two outs) to escape the wild day.
   
• Heller and Miller both had two hits in the game.

MOVING FORWARD:

The Cardinals will have a quick turnaround for a non-conference set tomorrow afternoon, traveling over to nearby Kenyon College.