CLERMONT, Fla. – It was a wild, wacky and roundabout start to The Spring Games for Otterbein on the softball scene this week, as the Cardinals were thrown some figurative curveballs to get started.

Inclement weather forced changes to Sunday's opening schedule, where the Cards played just one game (beating Alfred) before having to wait until Monday for a hectic three-game stretch.

Nevertheless, Otterbein stands an even 2-2 thus far after some different outcomes with different opponents. See below!

ALFRED RECAP (W 2-1):

Promising newcomer Riley Hamm showed her clear potential in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run (unearned) and three hits over the distance. She sat down five Saxons and only issued two free bases.

Despite her efforts, Otterbein actually trailed 1-0 midway through the fourth inning but orchestrated a difference-making sequence in the bottom half…

Seven productive at-bats in a row began with Emma Calkins getting hit by a pitch and Megan Payne ripping a single. Rachel Miller and Alex Newsome moved the ball to generate the tying run, before an Avery Yoder walk and but single from Chloe Clark pushed Otterbein ahead… for good.

That would be enough for Hamm, who faced just one over the minimum going forward to earn his first collegiate W.

ADRIAN RECAP (L 8-1):

The marathon day commenced early in the morning with the Bulldogs, who generated a quick first-inning run behind All-Region standout Karson Bagelmann stealing second/third before scooting home on a broken play at the hot corner.

Adrian methodically added to its lead over the contest and ultimately stood on top 8-1 late in the game.

Otterbein had runners in scoring position during the third and fifth frames, but didn't cross through until the bottom of the sixth when four-straight hitters reached safely. Maggie McVicker provided an RBI-single that kept a potential rally in effect, but the Cardinals later stranded a pair in scoring position.

Bagelmann was 3 for 4 atop the lineup for Adrian, which received a complete-game outing in the circle from Abbi Patton.

CARTHAGE RECAP (L 3-2):

Neither team was able to hit the scoreboard over four full despite some runners on base in various spots. Otterbein finally jumped ahead in the fifth when Caroline Heller smoked a timely 2-RBI single up the gut.

That margin stood until Carthage had its final at-bat in the bottom of the seventh, where a leadoff double was followed by an RBI-single (slicing the deficit in half), a passed ball and walk. A sac bunt and another walk set the stage for Izzy Hernandez, who ended the game with a poke to left-center that brought around a pair of teammates.

Hamm provided another quality start by keeping the Firebirds scoreless until trouble in the seventh. Counterpart Emma Faubel went the distance on the opposing side for a pitching win.

CHATHAM RECAP (W 5-1):

After just two pitches were thrown in the previously scheduled game between the teams on Sunday, the schools reconvened to play in Tuesday's finale. Otterbein took a 1-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed, as speedster Kennedi Endsley stole second and third before a well-place bunt from Cailtin Wilkins brought her home.

The Cougars nearly drew even in the top of the second, but Wilkins (in right field) came up big again by throwing out a runner trying to tag from third. McVicker then continued pitching out of some mini trouble and leaving runners stranded.

Otterbein tallied some insurance runs in the fourth as a trio of Cardinals reached base to begin, most notably a 2-RBI single from Heller through the right side. Endlsey hustled home a few minutes later on a wild pitch to give the Cards a better cushion.

Chatham kept it slightly interesting into the seventh, getting two runners on base (and the tying run on deck) before Hamm entered to induce a pair of groundouts. She earned a save as a result.

McVicker nabbed her first college victory, pitching nicely to contact in allowing just one run but only needing one strikeout. Endlsey was a perfect 4 for 4 atop the lineup.

UP NEXT:

Otterbein will now turn its attention to Tuesday afternoon matchups with Allegheny (Pa.) and Gordon (Mass.) before an off day.