KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan softball split this afternoon's doubleheader with the visiting Akron Zips, taking game one by an emphatic 6-0 final score, and falling in game two by a razor thin 1-0 margin. The results today move WMU to 15-24 on the season, and 5-8 against Mid-American Conference opponents.

The series opener belonged to the Broncos from start to finish. Senior infielder Jordyn Swinehart and sophomore infielder Cassidy Brendtke each knocked a base hit into the outfield grass to start the bottom half of the first on the right foot for Western Michigan, giving WMU runners on first and second with zero outs.

Senior designated player Reily Galloway advanced the pair of runners in the next at bat before junior infielder Alyssa Kramer dug into the box and teed off on the very first pitch she saw from Akron right-hander Lexie Petrof, launching her team-leading eighth homerun of the season over the right field fence to put her team up 3-0 early on.

Galloway would join in on the fun and display her own power two innings later, blasting a solo shot up over the right field wall as well for her seventh of the season, as well as RBI number 21 on the year, to increase the Bronco lead to 4-0 in the third.

The final two runs of the game for Western Michigan came in their final turn at the plate. Kramer got the inning started with her second hit of the day, singling up the middle ahead 1-0 in the count. Junior infielder Courtney Farrish added a single of her own in the next at-bat, sending Kramer to second. Kramer crossed the dish on a wild pitch two batters later, which was followed up by an RBI double from junior pinch hitter Taylor Garey, bringing Farrish home for the sixth and final run WMU would score on the day.

Alyssa Kramer had a monstrous performance in the opener, going 2-3 with a bomb and a single, as well as a trio of RBI's and two runs scored. Jordyn Swinehart, Cassidy Brendtke, Reily Galloway, and Courtney Farrish all went 1-3 in the contest, while freshman outfielder Darcy Barkauskas was 1-2 with a single in the second inning. Taylor Garey was perfect in her lone appearance at the plate, and also added an RBI along with Galloway.

In the circle, sophomore pitcher Rissa Bajusz picked up her sixth win of the season, collecting five strikeouts and suffering just five hits on the afternoon across a mere 67 pitches for her eighth complete game and third shutout of the year.

The second game of the day was about as closely contested as they come, with neither team able to register much in terms of offense. It took an extra frame, but Akron broke the tie with a run in the top of the eighth. After a dropped third strike from UA's Molly McChesney, the Zips took the lead as the runner on third base advanced to score on the throw down to first.

For the Broncos, Alyssa Kramer and Cassidy Brendtke each went 1-3, but were unfortunately left on base as WMU was unable to put together the necessary offensive momentum to bring either home for a run. Despite suffering a very unconventional loss, Reily Galloway had another dazzling performance on the bump, piling up 11 strikeouts and only allowing five hits in eight innings. Game two also goes down as Galloway's tenth game this year with double-digit strikeouts.

The Broncos and Zips will return to action tomorrow at Ebert Field for the rubber match of the Easter weekend series, with first pitch slated for 1 p.m. Admission to all WMU home softball games is free to spectators, with a stream and live scoring available for those unable to attend. See you all tomorrow afternoon!
 
#LetsRide