Creighton University
Drake
Bluejays Edge Bulldogs, 2-1, in Softball
4/21/2009 6:15:00 PM | Softball
DES MOINES, Iowa - Sara Loeffelholz's two run double in the fifth inning proved to be the difference as the Creighton softball team held on for a 2-1 road win at Drake Tuesday afternoon, claiming the season series two games to one. The win moves CU to 27-12 on the season and 15-4 in Missouri Valley Conference play, while Drake dropped to 26-18 overall and 11-6 in The Valley.
After stranding six runners in the first four innings, the Bluejays put together a two-out rally in the fifth. Renae Sinkler singled to right with two down and Michelle Graner followed with a walk. Loeffelholz, who had left four runners stranded in her first two at bats, delivered in her third opportunity, smacking her team-leading 10th double of the season to the right center field gap. Christa Ruf, pinch-running for Sinkler, and Graner scored on the two-bagger to give the Jays a 2-0 lead.
Drake made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh, adding an unearned run and stranding the bases loaded as the Jays held on for the 2-1 win.
The Bluejays left at least one runner on base in each of the first four innings. A pair of runners were stranded in the first inning, after Bailey Dawson walked to lead off the game and Sinkler was hit by a pitch with one out. Jessica Wakasugi was left on base in the second inning after a one-out infield single. Dawson led off the third inning with a double and was stranded at third base to end the inning, while Graner was left at first base after drawing a two out walk. Liz McKewon dropped down a two-out bunt single in the fourth and was stranded at second after a stolen base.
Tara Oltman improved to 22-8 on the season with the complete game effort. She allowed just one unearned run and four hits, while striking out six in the win. She now has 718 career Ks to move past Southern Illinois' Cassidy Scoggins into 10th place on the MVC career charts.
Jenna DeLong (16-8) took the defeat for Drake, just the second home loss for the Bulldogs this year (8-2). The right-hander allowed five hits and two earned runs, while she struck out six and walked four.
The Bluejays return to action tomorrow, when they play a home doubleheader against South Dakota State. The non-conference double dip will start at 5 p.m.
