Bluffton, Ohio – The Mount St. Joseph University softball team traveled to Bluffton University for a midweek HCAC doubleheader, starting earlier than usual to beat the daylight. The Lions made quick work of the Beavers, sweeping both games in dominant fashion with run-rule victories in five innings—taking Game One 20-5 and Game Two 16-4.
Game One | MSJ 20 – Bluffton 5 (5 innings)
The Lions wasted no time getting on the board, plating two runs in the top of the first inning. Bluffton briefly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half, but MSJ answered right back with three more in the second to regain the lead.
The offensive surge continued with a seven-run third inning, sparked by an RBI single to center field from
Avery Wiltermood and a double to left by
Alayna Flynn. The Lions kept the pressure on, adding one run in the fourth and another seven in the fifth to put the game out of reach.
Lauryn Miller delivered the biggest blow of the night with a grand slam in the fifth, followed shortly by a solo home run from
Mackinley Lawson. The Lions totaled 12 hits and capitalized on Bluffton's defensive miscues while staying aggressive on the base paths.
Bluffton managed one more run in the bottom of the fifth, but it wasn't enough to avoid the mercy rule as the Lions cruised to a 20-5 win.
Game Two | MSJ 16 – Bluffton 4 (5 innings)
MSJ's bats stayed hot in Game Two, scoring three runs in the top of the first and three more in the second. Bluffton responded with two runs in the third, but the Lions held a 6-2 lead heading into the fifth.
Starting pitcher
Mollie Sharp turned in a strong performance in the circle, throwing five complete innings while allowing six hits, four runs, and two walks, along with six strikeouts. She picked up another win on the season.
The Lions broke things wide open once again in the fifth.
Kiley Hankenhoff singled up the middle to drive in a run and set the table for
Kayla Bain, who drew a bases-loaded walk to score another. MSJ pieced together seven singles in the inning, steadily moving runners and piling on the runs. Bluffton scratched across two more, but it wasn't enough to extend the game.
Next Up:
Mount St. Joseph will return home to face Transylvania University in another key HCAC doubleheader. The first pitch is scheduled for Saturday, April 19th, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting.
