Tiffin University (8-8) bounced back from a late collapse in game one to turn up the offense in game two, gaining a split with Parkside in its home opener.
Tiffin won game two 9-1 in 5 innings. The Dragons scored in three of the four innings they batted in. Tiffin opened with 2 runs in the first inning. After
Tori McPherson's double and
Jessica Miller's walk,
Ella Esterby singled for one run while
Reagan Mengerink followed with another single to make it 2-0.
The Dragons tallied 4 runs in the third inning. Miller blasted a home run to left field to open scoring in the frame. Esterby and Mengerink then followed with singles. With two outs,
Lexi Key doubled for an RBI, and
Jadyn Bassi also smacked a double for two more runs.
In the fourth, McPherson walked. Pinch runner
Tori Abel then stole second and moved to third on a flyout to center field. With two outs, Esterby then walked and Mengerink doubled for 2 RBI.
Tara Gall then hit a pinch hit single, driving in pinch runner
Tabetha Thomas for TU's final run.
Key got the win, allowing just 3 hits over 5 innings while fanning 5 and allowing one earned run. Mengerink had 3 hits for 3 RBI.
In game one, Tiffin took a 2-0 lead into the 7th inning but could not hold it as Parkside tied the game and then scored two more runs in the 8th inning to win 4-2.
TU got its two runs in the 5th inning.
Marina Koenig singled and stole second. With two outs, an error in center field allowed both runs to score on a ball hit by Miller.
In the bottom of the 7th, Tiffin had a chance for a walkoff victory with a runner in scoring position and two outs but could come up with the clutch hit.
Esterby took the tough loss, allowing 2 earned runs over 8 innings while fanning 11 and giving up 7 hits.
Tiffin's hitters were also held at bay, managing just 4 singles.
