WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Capital University softball team came away with a massive doubleheader sweep over Otterbein in what was a two-for-one day for the Comets as the Purple and White not only won the Battle for the Oar, but they clinched a spot in the OAC Tournament for the first time since 2021. Capital won both games via 8-4 and 5-1 scorelines.
The results improve Capital's record to 18-17 overall and 7-9 in the OAC, while Otterbein finishes the season with a record of 11-27 and 2-14 in the OAC.
GAME ONE: Capital def. Otterbein, 8-4
The Comets struck big in the second and fifth innings to essentially do all the damage in game one as they shook off a 1-0 deficit early with three runs in the top of the second to go in front. Those runs came via a two-RBI triple from
Audrey Thomas and an RBI single by
Kyleigh Kirby.
After the hosts leveled the score at 3-3 in the fourth, Capital struck for four runs in the top of the fifth. Those runs came via an RBI single by
Ryanne Wilson, an RBI walk by
Megan Parry, an RBI fielder's choice by
Reagan Irons and a sacrifice fly by
Isabel Sayre.
The Cardinals scored again in the bottom of the fifth to cut it to 7-4, but the Comets tacked on an insurance run in the top of the seventh to go up 8-4 as
Megan Parry scored on an error.
When all was said and done, Capital tallied nine hits – two each by Kirby and Irons, and one a piece from Wilson,
Shelby Allen, Parry,
Morgan Priest, and Thomas.
Addi Parker (4-4) earned the win in the circle allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks across four innings. She struck out two.
Megan Mlinaric earned a save in relief pitching the final three innings and conceding a run on two hits and two walks. She punched out four Cardinals.
GAME TWO: Capital def. Otterbein, 5-1
In game two, the contest cruised into the fourth inning before either side could find a breakthrough. In that fourth frame, Capital scored three times to put themselves in control. First,
Reagan Irons doubled to left center, scoring
Shelby Allen. Then,
Morgan Priest clubbed a double of her own to score both Irons and
Megan Parry.
Down 3-0, Otterbein got back on the board with a solo home run in the fifth, but that proved only consolation in the end.
The Comets scored two more in the top of the seventh to put some additional insurance on the board thanks to an error that scored
Audrey Thomas and a sac fly by
Ryanne Wilson.
Capital collected eight hits in game two with Allen and Irons each having two.
Kyleigh Kirby, Parry, Priest and Thomas each had one base hit.
Alyssa Miller (9-6) twirled a solid five innings of work, conceding just the one run on three hits and two walks. She struck out five Cardinals.
Addi Parker earned her third save of the season by pitching the final two innings of shutout softball. She struck out one.
UP NEXT
Capital has clinched the No. 6 seed in the OAC Tournament which will be held on the campus of regular season champions Mount Union. The Comets will kick things off with a 1 p.m. game on Thursday, May 7th against No. 3 seeded Baldwin Wallace.
