Christina Riester slides safely back into third base.
The Gustavus softball team used strong pitching performances from Betsie Collins, Erin Truebenbach, and Callie Nelsen to shut down Concordia 6-0 and 12-0 at the Gustie Softball Field on Wednesday afternoon. Dani Cattrysse was the hitting star in the first game as she contributed two clutch singles that drove in two runs, while Jenny Ewert and Emily Wendorff each went 2-for-2 and drove in three runs in the second game. Gustavus is now 16-6 overall and 9-1 in the MIAC.
Shortstop Kirsten Prunty prepares to throw a runner out at first base.
In game one, the Gusties scored single runs in each of the first two innings and that is all they would need as Betsie Collins stifled the Cobbers allowing just three hits in six innings, while striking out eight. Erin Truebenbach relieved Collins in the seventh inning and put Concordia down in order to preserve the 6-0 victory. Lisa Klass walked to open the game, advanced to second on an infield out by Jenny Ewert and then scored on a single by Kirsten Prunty. In the second inning, Dani Cattrysse delivered a clutch two-out single to drive in Andrea Brown from third to push the lead to 2-0. The Gusties broke the game open with four runs in the sixth inning. Lisa Klass had the big hit in the inning as she drove in Dani Cattrysse and Christina Riester with a triple and then scored on an infield out by Jenny Ewert.
In game two, Gustavus scored seven times in the second inning on its way to a convincing 12-0 win in five innings. The Gusties pounded out 11 hits including five in the big second inning. Emily Wendorff was 2-for-2 with a double and a triple and three RBI, while Jenny Ewert was 2-for-2 with two slap singles including one that drove in three runs in the second inning. Erin Truebenbach started on the mound and limited the Cobbers to three hits in three innings of work, while striking out six and walking one. Callie Nelsen pitched the fourth and fifth innings and did not allow a hit, while striking out five. The game was stopped in the middle of the fifth inning due to the eight-run rule.
Betsie Collins struck out eight batters in game one.
The Gustavus pitching staff struck out 19 batters, while walking just one in the two games. In 22 games this season, Gustie pitchers have struck out 145 batters, while walking just 32. Betsie Collins ranks second in the MIAC in strikeouts with 31.
Through eight games in league play, the Gusties rank first in hitting (.382), first in fielding (.986), and second in pitching (2.61 ERA). Gustavus is tied with St. Thomas for first place in the league standings with a record of 9-1.
Gustavus will remain home to face Carleton on Saturday at 1 pm.