The Millikin Big Blue softball team played a doubleheader against North Central College in Naperville, Ill. on April 25, splitting the games with a loss in the first matchup and a win in the second.
The results are significant for both teams as they continue their seasons and look to improve their records. The Big Blue lost the first game 5-7 but came back to win the second game 7-5.
In game one, Millikin scored first when Kailyn Coates was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing home Ann Marie Meek. After North Central responded with three runs, Summer Wynn hit a solo home run in the third inning to reduce the deficit. The Cardinals added three more runs in their half of the third inning. In the fifth inning, Wynn’s sacrifice fly brought Willis home for another run for Millikin. North Central’s Bailey Miller hit a solo home run to extend their lead before Coates hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning for Millikin. However, it was not enough to close the gap as Millikin fell short.
Wynn finished game one going two-for-three at bat. In game two, Wynn singled in Condill during the first inning for an early lead before North Central tied it up with an infield single in the second frame. Singles from Willis and Willan helped Millikin regain momentum by scoring twice more before North Central took a temporary lead at 3-5 after three innings.
Millikin rallied late: Willis tripled to score Condill and Ava Zukowski; Wynn followed with a sacrifice fly that plated Willis; Willan then singled to center field scoring another run. Willis went three-for-four at bat while Condill and Wynn each had two hits out of three attempts.
Abby Wilken earned credit as winning pitcher during game one by striking out two batters during her outing.
Looking ahead, Millikin is scheduled to play Carroll University on April 26 at Workman Family Softball Field starting at 1:00 PM.
