MACOMB, Ill. – Beth Golitko and Kelsey Michelini each drove in two runs as Western Illinois took down Oakland, 5-2, in the 2011 home opener on Friday, March 11 at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.
The Fighting Leathernecks (3-8, 1-0) jumped out to an early lead against the Golden Grizzlies (4-11, 0-1) and never trailed as they pounded out eight hits in the contest.
Nikki Marinec got Western's offense on track when she led off the bottom of the first by reaching on an error and advancing to second before stealing third.
Colleen Biebel also reached on an error in the next at bat before Golitko lined a single to left field to plate two runs and get the Leathernecks on the board.
Oakland would answer with a single run in the top of the third on Erika Polidori's two-out RBI double to left. Western would answer back with a run in the fourth on Erin Schlotfeldt's RBI double and plated two more runs in the fifth on Michelini's single up the middle to take a 5-2 lead.
The Golden Grizzlies would score one run in the top of the sixth on Kylie Shalz's RBI single with one out, but Ashley Campbell would retire the next five batters to earn her first save of the season.
Michelini (1-4) picked up her first win of the season after allowing two runs in 5.1 innings of work. She gave up seven hits while issuing a walk and striking out one. Campbell tossed 1.2 innings in relief and did not allow a hit while striking out two.
Brittany Doyle (2-4) suffered the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) in 4.1 innings. She gave up seven hits and walked two without recording a strikeout.
Golitko led the Leathernecks with a 2-for-3 effort and one run scored. She drove in two runs and recorded a stolen base. Biebel and Michelle Prieto each swiped a bag.
Western Illinois outhit Oakland eight to seven and did not commit an error while the Golden Grizzlies committed four. The Leathernecks stranded eight runners on base while Oakland left four.
The teams were schedule to play two games but the second game of the doubleheader was called due to darkness. The game will resume at noon tomorrow with the Leathernecks leading 10-1 with a runner on third and one out in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Western Illinois and Oakland will play the third and final game of the series immediately after the completion of the suspended game.
