Jackets Drop Double-Header to Adrian

Defiance jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the second inning in the opening game of the double-header. Stephanie Lieto led off the inning with a single, before scoring on Elizabeth Petrie’s single to put the Jackets out in front. Adrian would respond in the top of third with two runs to take a 2-1 advantage.

DC could not take advantage of runners in scoring position in both the third and fourth innings as it found itself still trailing 2-1 going into the bottom of the sixth. Lieto nearly tied the game to lead off the bottom of the inning as her shot to deep left hooked foul. One out later Aarika Davis reached on a walk, but the Bulldogs escaped trouble with a double-play to end the inning. The Jackets were unable to put anyone on base in the bottom of the seventh, dropping the opener to Adrian, 3-1.

Justine Johnston (2-3) took the loss for DC, giving up three runs on eight hits and striking out a season-high nine batters in seven innings of work. Amanda Auzins, Lieto, Petrie and Tasha Stucke each had hits for the Jackets.

The second game of the double-header turned out to be eerily similar to the opener as Defiance was unable to convert on its scoring opportunities, leaving eight runners stranded in the game. Adrian limited the Jackets to just two hits in the series finale as DC was shut out for the first time this season. Marah Robinson doubled in the first and Kayla Crager singled in the second to give the Jackets their only two hits of the game.

The Bulldogs did all of their scoring in just two innings, scoring two runs in the fourth and three in the seventh as seven of Adrian’s nine hits come in those two innings. Kelly Schnipke (1-2) was credited with the loss for Defiance, giving up five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3. Robin Diers pitched in relief for the Jackets, getting the final two outs of the ball game.

Defiance (3-7) will return to action on Thursday, March 27, when it hosts Albion at Sal Hench Field. The opening game of the double-header is slated to start at 3:00 p.m.