By Nicholas Huenefeld

Special to the Sentinel-Tribune

Bowling Green’s softball team parlayed a big fourth inning and a dominant outing in the circle from Zoe Ziems into a 10-0 five-inning victory over visiting Archbold on Tuesday.

“I couldn’t be happier with our bounce back from yesterday,” Bowling Green coach Cassie Nauman said of her team that was run-ruled by Anthony Wayne on Monday. “We were on the other end of this, and that’s all we could ask for was to bounce back today and come out on top.”

Things looked a little rocky for Ziems early as Archbold loaded the bases with a walk, a single and a hit batter in the game’s first three at bats. However, a home to first double play was started by Ziems, who then got a strikeout to end the jam.

After Ziems struck out the side in order to end Archbold’s second, freshman Jules Firsdon roped a double to lead off the home half. Hannah Sayler knocked her home two batters later for the game’s first run.

“That kind of busted it open for us, especially a freshman doing that,” Nauman said.

The Bobcats then broke the game open with seven runs in the fourth, including six with two outs.

M.J. Walters roped an RBI single for the first run, and Bowling Green proceeded to produce a bases loaded walk from Ziems, a two-run single from Baylee Irvin and a two-run double from Makenna Oates.

Needing just two runs to close out the game, Bowling Green got an RBI single from Kylie Kubacki and a walk-off RBI single from Irvin as Sammie Trimpey scored the clinching run.

“I can say something great on offense about one through … we had an extra player come up to the plate … so 10,” Nauman said. “One through 10 today made contact and put the ball in play hard.”

After the first three batters reached, Ziems scattered just two singles over the game’s final 15 at bats while striking out six to pick up the complete game victory.

“It started off a little rocky, but I think I figured it out, at least technicality wise,” Ziems said. “I relied on my team more, which really helped. It’s great to have someone behind you, so I’m really grateful for that. I think that really helped me zone in today.”

Trimpey, Ziems, Irvin and Sayler had two hits apiece for Bowling Green. Irvin led the way with three runs knocked in while Oates added two. A trio of players also scored two runs apiece.

“I think after a rough day, we came back amazing,” Ziems said. “We really zoned in today, which I’m really proud of.