The Gustavus softball team swept Saint Olaf College winning 8-2 and 10-2 at Mabel Shirley Field in Northfield Wednesday. Pitcher Joyce Dewitz has won the last six decisions for the Gusties during their current six-game win streak, including five innings on the mound during both games against the Oles. Gustavus improves to 10-10 overall and a perfect 4-0 in the MIAC, while Saint Olaf drops to 7-9 overall and 1-3 in the MIAC.
In game one, the Gusties jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning before the Oles evened the score at 1-1 in the fourth. However, Gustavus tallied five runs in the fifth inning and two runs in the seventh inning to beat Saint Olaf 8-2. Joyce Dewitz pitched the first five innings for the Gusties to earn the win while allowing six hits, three walks, and struck out 11 batters. Jenna Ruhl came in to relieve Dewitz and allowed only one hit in her two innings of work. Audrey Lenoch led Gustavus offensively hitting 5-for-5, while Julie Mahre went 2-for-3 and Erin Ge was 2-for-5.
In game two, the Gusties recorded two runs in the second inning to take the early 2-0 lead. Coach Shanda Ness’ squad then scored three runs in the fourth and five runs in the sixth. The Oles mustered two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to ruin the shutout as Gustavus won 10-2. Abby Bernstein batted 2-for-2 for the Gusties, while both Dawn Lewis and Audrey Lenoch went 2-for-3. The Gustavus pitching staff, Joyce Dewitz and Jenna Ruhl, allowed only five hits in the win.
The Gusties lost six consecutive games prior to their current winning streak of six games. During its six game slide, Gustavus was outscored 44-11. Since then, the Gusties have outscored their opponents 46-11 and are atop the league standings with a perfect 4-0 MIAC record.
Gustavus will travel to Moorhead, Minnesota to play Concordia in a conference doubleheader on Saturday. The opening pitch against the Cobbers is scheduled for 1 p.m.