The Gustavus softball team saw its conference title hopes slip away with a disappointing doubleheader setback against St. Thomas in St. Paul. The #1 ranked Tommies showed why they are considered one of the finest teams in the country as they dismissed the Gusties 8-0 in five innings in game one and 10-0 in five innings in game two. Gustavus falls to 25-6 overall and 15-2 in conference play.
In game one, the Tommies took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning on a three-run home run by Morgan Betker. St. Thomas would extend its lead to 5-0 in the bottom of the second and 7-0 in the bottom of the third. While the Tommies were showing their power at the plate, the Gusties were struggling as Maria Bye limited Gustavus to one hit while striking out eight in five innings. The lone hit was recorded by Abby Bernstein in the fourth inning. St. Thomas scored one run in the bottom of the fifth inning and the game was called as a result of the eight-run mercy rule. Joyce DeWitz was roughed up by St. Thomas as she allowed six hits and seven runs in four innings of work.
In game two, St. Thomas exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the first inning including a grand slam home run by Morgan Betker. The Gusties were never in the game as the Tommies scored two more times in the bottom of the second inning to increase their lead to 10-0. Gustavus picked up two of its three hits in the game in the fourth inning, however they were not able to mount a serious rally. Bernstein and Klein registered the two hits in the inning. Carrie Embree was the winning pitcher for St. Thomas. She scattered three hits and struck out three in five innings of work. Joyce DeWitz pitched one inning for the Gusties allowing five hits and seven earned runs. Callie Nelsen pitched the final three innings for Gustavus giving up four hits and allowing two earned runs.
Gustavus will have Thursday off before heading to St. Paul on Friday to finish the second game of the doubleheader with Macalester that was suspended due to rain this past Sunday. The game is slated to begin at 6:00 pm at Dunning Field.
The Gusties will play St. Ben’s at home on Saturday at 1:00 pm and then travel to Storm Lake, Iowa to play Buena Vista in a doubleheader on Sunday at 1:00 pm.