BLUFFTON, OH-On Wednesday, April 14 the Mount St. Joseph University Lions traveled to Bluffton for a Heartland Conference double-header. This saw the Lions win both of their games, sweeping the Beavers. This allows for the Lions season record to extend to 16-8 on the season, and helping them hold onto their number one spot in the HCAC standings.
GAME ONE: MSJ 14 BU 2/5 innings
The first of two games ended quickly, with the Lions run ruling the Beavers in 5 quick innings. In the first inning the Lions jumped off to an early lead, plating 7 runs. Alehia Tucker was able to lead the Lions in this explosive start, getting two hits in the first frame. In the following inning Lions pitcher Sarah Miller made quick work of the Beavers.
Throughout the rest of the game the Lions were able to continue plating several runs every inning. Tucker finished the first game with three hits, including a double and three RBI's. Additionally senior Gracie Woodyard was able to drive in a team high five RBI's off of two hits, along with a timely triple. Rachel Gabbard hit a 2 run home-run in the top of the second inning that allowed the Lions to continue their scoring.
Miller had yet again another great pitching performance pitching all 5 innings of the game. This allowed her to earn her 7th win of the season, enough to place her at 2nd in the conference for wins. She was able to earn this win while only surrendering two earned runs and retiring nine batters via strikeout. Along with this Miller had a great game at the plate collecting two hits in this win.
GAME TWO: MSJ 14 BU 5
The second game saw much of the same between these two games. After being held scoreless in the first, the Lions allowed Bluffton to plate three in the bottom of the first. However the Lions quickly responded in the top of the second, thanks to a two out rally started by a Kaci Finchum double that drove in two runs to make the score 3-2. This was followed by Alieha Tucker single that drove in Finchum, that knotted up the game.
The rest of the game the Lions were able to put together several scoring innings while their pitching held solid, only surrendering just two runs to finish out the game. Casey Bramble had a standout performance going 3-3 at the plate with a double and scoring three runs. The pair of Gracie Woodyard and Elizabeth Ivers each homered in this game, while Woodyard also led the team in RBI's again with three.
The Lions only used one pitcher in this game, Kamyrn McCool. In this start McCool went all 7 innings, striking out 12 on her way to earning the win. Additionally McCool was able to collect two hits in the batters box and drive in two runs to help her own cause.
UP NEXT
After sweeping Bluffton in a double header the Lions will look forward to traveling to Rose-Hulman this Saturday, April 17 for another conference double-header. First pitch for game one is set for 1PM followed by the second game that should start around 3PM. For continued coverage of the Lions softball season and all other MSJ athletics make sure to follow msjlions.com
