Big Second Inning Sinks Thunderbirds in 7-4 Defeat at Oakland

ROCHESTER, Mich. - April 16 - Southern Utah University softball scored first, but a six-run second inning by Oakland University proved to be too much to overcome as the Thunderbirds dropped a 7-4 decision on Saturday afternoon on the road. The loss drops the T-Birds to 20-24 overall and 10-5 in Summit League play and also marked the first conference series the team has lost this season.

Southern Utah's opening run came in the second inning as Nicole Huntsman drew a two-out walk and was driven home on an RBI double by Katie Olinger. Oakland then opened its second inning with a single and four hits, one error and a walk later had a lead of 6-1. Danielle Axe came on in relief during the inning, striking out a batter for the final out and allowed only one more run during the day on two hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

The Thunderbird began to chip away at the Golden Grizzly lead, making the most of a lead-off single by Darleen Fernandez in the top of the fourth to turn in two runs during the frame. Madison Resley and Olinger recorded the RBI during the inning as the team looked like more runs would cross the plate with the bases loaded and no outs on the board. However, three consecutive ground balls ended the inning and the scoring threat.

A solo home run in the top of the fifth inning capped SUU's scoring during the day as Heather Richardson belted her fourth big fly of the season. Southern Utah had runners in scoring position in both of the sixth and seventh inning, but were not able to push anymore runs over the plate as Oakland took the game, 7-4.

The T-Birds will be back in action next weekend when the team continues Summit League play against the IUPUI Jaguars in Cedar City. The teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Friday with the first pitch at 1:00 p.m. with the three-game series finale set for Saturday at Noon.

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