The Lakeland softball team played host to the Tri-C Triceratops today and dropped a pair of games by the scores of 14-0 and 9-1. In game 1, both pitchers came out strong as they posted zeroes for the first couple of innings. Unfortunately for the Lakers, Tri-C exploded with 5 runs in the 3rd inning and the Lakers were unable to recover. Lakeland had just 3 baserunners in game 1. Madison Ciammaichella started and took the loss pitching 3.1 innings while being charged with 13 runs. Abby Schneider relieved and pitched 1.2 innings allowing 1 run while striking out 2 batters.
Game 2 had a similar start as both teams were again blanked for the first 2 innings. In the top of the 3rd inning, Tri-C would score a run before the Lakers answered with a run in the home half. Lauryn Hawkins got the rally going with a 1-out single. Hawkins was erased on a fielder's choice from Sydney Plotts. Carmen Alvarez then ripped a single up the middle to put runners on first and second. Emalee Harala followed with an RBI-single to tie the score. After shutting the door on Cuyahoga in the top of the 4th, the Lakers just missed going ahead in the bottom half. Abby Schneider started the inning by ripping a single to left field. Schneider advanced to second on an error by the leftfielder. Schneider would advance to 3rd on a passed ball but was left stranded after the Lakers hit a hard lineout to second (Emerson Hren) before ending the field on a nice catch by the centerfielder on a ball hit by Anna Farone.
In the top of the 5th inning, Tri-C started by hitting a ball to centerfielder Lauryn Hawkins. Hawkins laid out for the ball and the umpire called it a catch. After an appeal to the other umpire, it was ruled a no-catch and that momentum change got Cuyahoga going as they would score 3 runs in the inning. In the bottom of the 5th, Lakeland ran into another tough play. Hawkins started the inning with a walk. Sydney Plotts then hit a lazer line drive right at the shortstop. With the catch, Hawkins had no chance and was doubled up. Lakeland would add another hit and a walk in the inning, but failed to score. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they would get no closer as they dropped game 2.
Lauryn Hawkins, Carmen Alvarez, and Abby Schneider each had 2 hits for the Lakers while Emalee Harala had a hit and RBI. Karli Cunningham added a hit in the Laker loss. Abby Schneider took the tough luck loss pitching 6 innings and being charged with 9 runs while striking out 6 batters.
Next Up: On Friday (4/24), the Lakers will travel to Kent State Tuscarawas to play a non-league doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 pm.
