A three run first inning would prove to be enough for the Gusties to defeat Hamline in the elimination game Friday afternoon. Joyce DeWitz struck out four and walked only two batters to lead Gustavus to victory.
Hamline got on the board in the sixth with a one-out solo home run by right fielder Sara Mickelson, but that would not be enough to defeat Gustavus.
The Gusties scored runs in the first and fourth innings. Second baseman Julie Mahre led the game off with a single and was moved over to second on a sacrafice bunt and to third on a groundout; she then scored on a wild pitch later in the inning. With two on and two out in the fourth inning, the Gusties added two more runs. Designated player Abby Bernstein’s bloop single to center scored pitch runner Kelly Anderson from third. As Bernstein tried to advance to second on the relay throw home, the Pipers cut off the throw and Gustie shortstop Meghan Powers scampered home from third, increasing the lead to 3-0; Berstein would slide safely into second base.
Mahre was 3-3 as she paced the Gustie bats Berstein also added two hits.
Hamline senior second baseman Amanda Gage, with two hits, advanced to second place on the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all-time hits list; she now has 217 career hits.
Niki Seal was the losing pitcher, giving up seven hits and three earned runs. Joyce DeWitz took the complete game win for Gustavus, as she also gave up seven hits while striking out four.
Gustavus advances to play St. Mary’s for the second time in the tournament. Game time is scheduled for 11:00 am tomorrow morning.