The Gustavus softball team allowed six home runs on a cold day in St. Paul as the Gusties were swept by fifth-ranked St. Thomas 10-2 in six innings and 11-1 in five innings on Tuesday. The Gustie offense was held to three runs on nine hits, as the Tommie pitchers combined to strikeout ten Gustavus batters during the doubleheader. Gustavus fell to 11-5 overall and 1-3 in league play, while St. Thomas improved to 21-3 overall and 6-0 in the MIAC.
Game one started well for the Gusties as Julie Mahre, who finished the game 3-for-3, hit a lead-off solo home run for the early 1-0 lead. The Tommies’ Alison Wright quickly tied the score in the first with a solo home run of her own. The contest remained tied until a Colleen Wright RBI started a four-run fourth inning for St. Thomas. The Tommies tallied five more runs in the next two innings for the victory. Gustavus was not without its chances, though, as seven players were left on base and had two runners thrown out on the base path. Callie Nelsen suffered her second loss of the season as she gave up seven runs on eight hits in five innings.
St. Thomas hit four home runs in game two, including a three-run home run from Maria Bye and two home runs from Olivia Graham. Bye also frustrated the Gusties at the plate as she allowed three hits in five innings and struck out five. Gustavus also hit into two double-plays, while leaving three runners on base. Betsie Collins picked up the loss for Gustavus, allowing 11 runs on eight hits in four innings.
Gustavus will continue its current road trip by traveling to Northfield to face St. Olaf on Wednesday at 4 p.m.