Joyce Dewitz throws a pitch against Bethany.
Audrey Lenoch prepares for the ball at first base.
The Gusties huddle up to celebrate their two-game sweep.
The Gustavus softball team swept Bethany Lutheran College 8-0 and 8-0 in a non-conference doubleheader in St. Peter Monday night to extend their current winning streak to four games. Joyce Dewitz and Jenna Ruhl pitched well in both games for the Gusties allowing a combined three hits in the first game and combined for a no-hit shutout in the second game. Gustavus improves to 8-10 overall and 2-0 in the MIAC, while Bethany remains winless on the season at 0-8 overall.
The Gusties started the scoring in the first inning when Erin Ge crossed home plate after a two out, RBI single by Audrey Lenoch. Whitney Bartolo followed up Lenoch’s hit with an RBI single to make the score 2-0 after the first inning. After a Julie Mahre RBI single to score a runner in the second inning, Gustavus tallied three runs in the third inning to lead 6-0.
The Gusties tallied one run in both the fifth and sixth innings to win the first of two games 8-0. Audrey Lenoch went 3-3 at the plate with 4 RBI’s to lead Gustavus offensively. Joyce Dewitz got the win allowing only one hit in three innings of work and struck out seven of the nine batters she faced. Jenna Ruhl finished the remaining three innings on the mound for the Gusties allowing only two hits, one walk, and struck out six of the 11 batters she faced.
Gustavus continued its offensive success in the second game of the doubleheader. In the first inning, Julie Mahre walked before advancing to second base on a wild pitch from Bethany’s Amy Stevens. Mahre then scored on a single from Erin Ge making the score 1-0. Meghan Powers singled to get on base and eventually scored after two more wild pitches. Audrey Lenoch also singled to get on base before Whitney Bartolo hit an RBI single to make the score 3-0 after the first inning.
The Gusties scored five more runs in the third inning to make the score 8-0. The eight-run inning included four hits for Gustavus as it won in 4 1/2 innings 8-0.
Joyce Dewitz started at the mound in the second game for the Gusties allowing no hits, one walk, and struck out three Bethany batters to earn the win in three innings of work. Jenna Ruhl closed the final two innings for Gustavus allowing no hits and struck out two hitters.
The Gusties will be in action on Wednesday in Northfield for a doubleheader against Saint Olaf. The opening pitch will be at 4 p.m.