Terre Haute, Ind—The Mount St. Joseph University Softball program traveled to Rose-Hulman for an HCAC double header. The Lions came into this game after a convincing sweep over Bluffton during the week and carrying a 15-8 record. This double-header saw the Lions pitching staff throw back to back shut-outs in a way to their second consecutive sweep.
GAME ONE: MSJ 15 RHIT 0/5 innings
In the first game the Lions bats were on fire, as they plated four runs in the opening frame. Catcher Elizabeth Ivers was able to drive in the first run of the game, when she singled, driving in Alehia Tucker. In the ensuing at bat, Pitcher, Sarah Miller gave herself a little help, hitting the first of two home runs.
After a few scoreless innings from both teams the Lions got hot once again, platting eight runs. This rally saw the Lions have several players collect hits, including a two RBI double off of the bat of Tucker. In the top of the fourth inning, Tucker collected a one out single, followed by and a Brooke Otto single, putting two runners on for Miller, who then sent a ball out of the park for a three run home run. After shutting down Rose's offense over the next two innings the Lions won by a run rule in 5 innings.
When an offense explodes like it did in this game, there are a lot of stand out performances. However the top performer of the game was Miller, who threw a shutout while only allowing two hits and stuck out four batters. Then in the batters box Miller went 4-4 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI's. Additionally Tucker had a great game for the Lions going 3-4 at the plate with 2 RBI's.
GAME TWO: MSJ 2 RHIT 0
While the second game was much closer, the Lions pitching was able to hold up and lead the way to sweeping Rose-Hulman. This game was a very slow offensive game for both teams, in which there were no runs scored until the top of the fourth inning. Elizabeth Ivers was able to get a base-hit to open the fourth, in the next at-bat Sarah Miller once again hit a deep ball that plated two runs for the Lions. This was the end of the scoring for the Lions on the day, but with the help of Kamryn McCool's great pitching the Lions defense was able to hold this two run lead.
Without a doubt the key to this win was the Lions pitching. McCool went 7 innings, while only allowing two hits and an impressive 10 strikeouts. Miller's two run-homer was enough to hold off Rose-Hulman. Additionally the trio of Tucker, Ali Lang and Maiah Hodge all collected stolen bases in this game.
UP NEXT
The Lions will be off until Thursday, April 22 when they travel to Spalding University for an out of conference double-header. The first game is set to start at 5PM with the second game following around 7PM. For continued coverage of this season and all other Mount Athletics continue to check msjlions.com.
