MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Toledo softball team split a doubleheader at Central Michigan to conclude the road slate this season. The Rockets defeated the Chippewas 8-0 in today's first game before falling 3-0 in the nightcap at Margo Jonker Stadium.

Toledo's record goes to 31-17 overall and 15-5 in Mid-American Conference action. Central Michigan wins the series 2-1 to make its way to 21-22 overall and 11-9 in conference.

Toledo 8, Central Michigan 0 (6 innings)
The Rockets batted around to score six runs in the sixth inning en route to a run-rule victory in the the first game of the doubleheader. The win was the 100th-career victory for head coach Kristen Butler, senior Ashley Rausch and senior Sam Showalter.

Junior Taylor Powell went a perfect 2-for-2 and scored a pair of runs in the win. Sophomore Morgan Paaverud drove in three runs via a pinch hit double with the bases loaded in the sixth.

Junior Kailey Minarchick was masterful in a two-hit shutout in the circle. She struck out one and walked two for her third shutout of the season. Minarchick has won her last dozen decisions and is now 17-4 on the campaign.

How it Happened

• Minarchick worked around lead off walks in the first two innings to keep the Chippewas off the scoreboard early.
• The Rockets manufactured a pair of runs to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning. Junior Megan Choate singled and Powell reached on a bunt hit. The runners moved up on a sacrifice bunt and score on base hit by Rausch and a sacrifice fly by freshman Kylie Norwood.
• Minarchick allowed just a bunt single in the third and a two-out single in the fourth the rest of the way.
• UT sent 11 batters to the plate and collected seven hits to put up a six spot in the Toledo sixth. Paaverud's three-run double opened the flood gates for the scoring. Sophomore Samantha Golden drove in a run with an RBI triple, Rausch knocked in a run with an infield single and freshman Bailey Curry capped the tear with a run-scoring base hit up the middle.
• Minarchick retired the side in order in the sixth to close the run-rule victory.

Central Michigan 3, Toledo 0
The Rockets collected seven hits by seven different players, but could not bring in a run in the rubber match loss. For UT, this is just its third shutout loss of the season and its first since May 9.

Freshman Bekah Yenrick went 1-for-1 with two walks to lead the Rockets offense. Central Michigan's Hannah Warren scattered seven hits and issued both walks to Yenrick in 7.0 shutout innings.

How it Happened

• Central Michigan took an early advantage with a run in the bottom of the first inning. A lead off double and single put a runner at third base with no outs. A squeeze bunt and a close play at the plate netted CMU a 1-0 lead.
• Junior Megan Choate led of the second inning with a double, Toledo's lone extra base hit, but was thrown out at the plate later in the inning on a fielder's choice.
• The Rockets ended the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position to remain scoreless. 
• CMU added a run in the fifth on a solo home run and one in the sixth on a double steal with runners on first and third.

The Rockets will host Ball State for their final series of the regular season on May 4-5 in Toledo. Saturday will serve as the Rockets' senior day and alumni gathering. Seniors Ashley Rausch and Sam Showalter will be honored before the first game at 1:00 p.m.