Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University softball team split another pair of CCIW conference games on Thursday afternoon. Against the Wheaton Thunder, the Pioneers won game one 3-0 but lost game two 0-3.
The Pioneers (13-11, 9-7 CCIW) got some help on offense thanks to
Kaylee Learman's two-run home run to right field, which was a no-doubter after it left the bat. Learman tallied three total hits through both games.
Mathena Higgins tallied the lone double of the day in game one, while
Sierra Grubor and Learman both picked up stolen bases.
Game 1
Two days after her second no-hitter of the year,
Amanda Osterhus tossed another gem. Osterhus went the distance, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out nine. Osterhus picked up her seventh win of the season and her 46 of her career. Osterhus got out of a first-inning jam quickly, striking out the last two batters with runners on third and second.
Carroll got its first run on the board in the bottom of the third, as
Claudia Spencer reached base on a fielding error by the shortstop with the bases loaded. The Pios left three runners on base to end the inning.
Learman's missile of a home run came on a 1-0 count with Higgins on third base in the bottom of the fourth.
Allyssa Demma and
Bridget Rath both got on base, but a strong line-out back to the pitcher forced the Pios to head back to the bench.
Game 2
The Thunder struck in the bottom of the second inning, serving as the home team in game two. After a fielding error, a double put runners on second and third.
Grace Bradley gave up a single up the middle and left the game soon after. Bradley in just 1.1 innings pitched allowed four hits and two earned runs facing just eight batters.
Breanna Roberts replaced Bradley, and two scores later, Wheaton was up 3-0. Roberts went on to allow just one hit while walking two and striking out three in 4.2 innings of work.
The Pioneers were held hitless until the top of the fifth inning when
Bridget Rath broke the no-hit bid with a single through the left side. The next three batters couldn't reach base and stranded Rath. A lead-off walk in the top of the sixth inning by
Sydney Raddeman showed signs of promise, but a laser line out to third base and turned double play took away the base runners.
Learman nearly left the park again with a frozen rope line drive to left-center field, which was just two feet below the top of the fence for a single. Rath reached on a walk, but the Pios could not get the batters around once again in the bottom of the seventh, ending their chances for the game.
Carroll visits North Central this Saturday, April 17, looking to win the season series with the Cardinals after splitting at Kilgour Field back on April 6.
