SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Entering Tuesday afternoon’s doubleheader with Western Athletic Conference opponent San Jose State, Miami University’s softball team had failed to hit a homerun in its first 13 games. When Tuesday’s games against the Spartans were over, the RedHawks had two home-runs to their credit.

With Miami trailing 3-0 heading into the top of the third inning, catcher Nicki Pelfrey (Fremont, Ohio/Fremont Ross) belted a two-run shot to help the Red and White cut the lead to 3-2. After tying the game at 3-3 in the fifth inning, the two team battled to the bottom of the seventh inning before the Spartans scored the winning run.

San Jose third baseman Veronica Ramos drove in shortstop Becca Baldridge from second base to give the Spartans the 4-3 win.

Miami pitcher Abbey Arnold (Dana Point, Calif./St. Margaret’s) pitched six and two-third innings giving up five hits and four runs while striking out three Spartan batters.

The RedHawks bounced back in game two after giving up an early run to win 2-1. In the top of the sixth inning, third baseman Kristina Mortaloni (Ranchos Palos Verdes, Calif./Palos Verdes Peninsula) cranked a two-run homerun to centerfield to give Miami a 2-1 lead. Pitcher Amber Arnold (Dana Point, Calif./St. Margaret’s) gained the win giving up five hits and striking out one batter.

Miami (6-9) is back in action against the University of California at Berkley, who is ranked No. 4 in the country and stands 28-0, at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Capital Classic in Sacramento.

Printer-friendly format	Email this article