TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University softball team capitalized on one Otterbein University miscue, scoring three unearned runs in the fifth inning of a 3-1 victory at home on Friday.  Brooke Lewis delivered a two-run double while Caitlin Dems and Riley Cruse teamed up to allow one run on seven hits.   

Heidelberg improved to 11-16-1 overall, 10-15 in the conference standings.  

Dems, the starter, ran into trouble in the top of the fourth inning.  The Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs and pushed a run across on a single through the right side.  Dems, however, hunkered down and avoided further damage.  A strikeout, a fielder's choice and a pop up allowed the Student Princes to get out of the inning down just a run.  

Heidelberg loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the fourth, but were unable to get a run across.  

The Student Princes scored three unearned runs in the bottom of the fifth.  After Hanna Blasinsky singled to center, Shelby Miller sent a bouncer to the pitcher.  The throw to second was bobbled, allowing Blasinsky to slide in safely.  Brooke Lewis doubled to the base of the wall in left, scoring two.   Cruse followed by sneaking an RBI triple inside the line in deep right.

Dems worked 4.2 innings, allowing one run on six hits.  Cruse (6-6) came in with two on the top of the fifth, worked out of the jam, and finished the final 2.1 innings.  

Blasinsky, Lewis and Kat Brady all had two hits on the day.   

Heidelberg travels to Otterbein on Sunday for a 1 p.m. doubleheader in Westerville.