HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Norse softball opened Horizon League play on Friday afternoon, taking on Oakland. Northern Kentucky shutout the Golden Grizzlies and hit back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to open conference play 1-0.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Northern Kentucky – 2, Oakland – 0
LOCATION: Frank Ignatius Grein Field – Highland Heights, Ky.
RECORDS: NKU: 12-12 (1-0 HL) | OAK: 12-9 (0-1 HL)
GAME SUMMARY
- Oakland loaded the bases with one out in the first, but
Alicia Flores was able to get out of the jam with a strikeout and a flyout. Oakland had another solid scoring chance with a one-out triple in the second, but then popped up into a double play to end the inning. Flores then got back-to-back one-two-three innings as the Norse entered the bottom of the fourth still without a score.
Brielle DiMemmo and
Brooke Keltner hit back-to-back home runs to give NKU a 2-0 lead, which held up as the final score. The Golden Grizzlies threatened in the seventh, but stranded runners on the corners to end the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
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Alicia Flores made her return to the circle after missing last weekend's tournament with an injury, and made a statement as she led the Norse to victory with 5.1 scoreless innings. The senior allowed five hits, no walks, and struck out four batters.
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Makaree Chapman relieved Flores in the sixth and earned a save, allowing two hits in 1.2 innings of work while striking out a batter.
- Northern Kentucky's offense batted 4-22 on the day, with all hits going for extra bases.
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Brielle DiMemmo hit the would-be game-winning home run, her third of the season, as she finished 1-3 from the plate.
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Brooke Keltner followed up DiMemmo with her second homer of the season, as she finished 1-2.
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Kenzie Gulley finished 1-3 with a triple.
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Jena Rhoads went 1-3 with a double.
NEXT UP
Northern Kentucky finishes up the series with Oakland on Saturday with a doubleheader set for a noon first pitch.
FOLLOW NKU NORSE SOFTBALL
Get in the game and follow Northern Kentucky's NCAA Division I softball team through @NKUNorseSB on Twitter, @nkusoftball on Instagram, nkunorsesballon Facebook and subscribe to the NKU Norse Youtube channel.