Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University softball team were able to come away with a split with the Elmhurst Bluejays today, after leading early on in both contests. The Pioneers won game one by a score of 4-2 and fell 5-8 late in game two.
The Pioneers (6-8, 2-4 CCIW) plated nine runs on the day, with a total of 25 hits, including 16 in game two.
Allyssa Demma knocked in three RBIs after batting 2-7 with a double.
Sierra Grubor scored five total runs on the day, while
Kaylee Learman tallied five hits.
Game 1
The Bluejays threatened
Amanda Osterhus early on in the top of the first inning, but Osterhus tossed a strikeout to get out of the jam. Osterhus ended up going the distance, allowing just two unearned runs on three hits, and 11 strikeouts.
The Pios got on the board in the bottom of the third, with Demma's two RBI double to score Learman and Grubor. Two innings later,
Lauren Harshbarger singled up the middle to score Learman for the third run of the game.
Elmhurst attacked in the top of the sixth, scoring on a fielding error in the outfield. Another single soon after scored the runner from second. Osterhus ended the inning with a three-pitch strikeout.
Carroll added a security run in the bottom half of the six, with Demma's third RBI of the game to score Grubor. Elmhurst looked ready to score again in the top of the seventh, but Osterhus forced her way out of a bases loaded jam to pick up the win.
Game 2
Elmhurst jumped on the board early in the game, with its third straight fielders' choice, scoring one run. The Pioneers responded with a bases loaded
Bridget Rath hit by pitch. Carroll had a chance to score shortly after, but Learman was called out on a play at the plate.
Two straight singles and a fielding error led Grubor to score from second thanks to another Demma hit in the bottom of the third. A frame later, Learman got her own RBI scoring
Maria Mundt, and almost scoring
Mathena Higgins who was called out in a 72516 pickle.
Grace Bradley, who had gone five innings allowing just one run on seven hits, began to show signs of wear in the top of the sixth, as the bases loaded, a fielders choice scored a run to cut the lead 2-3.
Breanna Roberts replaced Bradley with the bases loaded and was able to secure two outs before allowing the tying run to cross home plate. A double to the right field gap that was misplayed by the outfielders allowed three runs to score to bring the Bluejays out in front 6-3.
The Pioneers worked two more tuns back thanks to a Learman single that scored Higgins from second.
Bridget Rath recorded an RBI by reaching first on a fielder's choice that scored Grubor.
Elmhurst added two more runs in the top of the seventh, and the Pioneers finished three-up and three down to end the game.
Carroll heads to Rock Island, Ill. tomorrow for another doubleheader matchup, this time against the Vikings of Augustana. The Pioneers are 5-1 against Augie in the last six matchups.
