Gustavus Adolphus junior pitcher Kate Rentschler (Lakefield, Minn.) has hit her stride over her past three starts, going 3-0 within that time span to earn herself the MIAC’s honor of Pitcher-of-the-Week for her outstanding play. Rentschler was on the hill for Gustavus’ 13-3 victory over Bethel on March 28, 1-0 win over UW-Oshkosh on March 31, and 6-0 win over Cornell on April 1.
Against Bethel, the junior allowed three runs on eight hits. I what was a theme throughout the week, Rentschler kept her infield busy, forcing 12 ground ball outs in the contest.
It was at the Augustana Invitational Tournament held over the weekend that Rentschler broke out with her top two outings of the season. In Gustavus’ contest versus UW-Oshkosh Saturday, Kate allowed just four hits in eight innings of work for her first shutout victory of the season. Making her infield work behind her once again, Rentschler got 16 Titan batters to ground out, allowing only one runner to reach third base for the duration of the game.
The Lakefield, Minn. native capped the week with her second-straight shutout victory over Cornell. Despite walking six batters, Kate recorded six strike outs and allowed just two hits, getting 12 ground outs once again.
Over the week, Rentschler allowed just three runs in 21 innings for an ERA of 1.00. Opposing hitters batted a combined .189 against Gustavus in her three victories. Rentschler has now won four straight games and is 5-1 on the season. After her first four starts, coach Jeff Annis’ ace held an ERA of 3.60. Over her last three nods, she has dropped that ERA to a stingy 2.37.
Kate Rentschler and the rest of the Gustavus softball team will continue its current string of 10-straight road games with a doubleheader against UW-La Crosse on Monday, April 2. Opening pitch for game one is schedule for 3:00 p.m.