(SPX Sports photo)
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Gustavus softball team suffered its second straight sweep Thursday at St. Thomas, losing 9-1 and 12-6. The losses drop the Gusties to 4-14 overall and 0-4 in the MIAC, while the Tommies improve to 17-5 overall and 7-1 in the league.
Gustavus 1, St. Thomas 9 (6 inn.)
A five-run third inning broke the game open for the Tommies as they cruised to an eight-run, six-inning victory. The home team out-hit the Gusties 11-4 and held the visitors scoreless until Sarah Pederson (So., Blaine, Minn.) scored on a bases-loaded groundout by Emily Webb (Jr., Maple Lake, Minn.). Four different Gusties had one hit apiece.
Ashley Neuenfeldt (Fy., Bloomington, Minn.) tossed three innings in the loss. She allowed six runs on seven hits. Ariel Debeer (Fy., Luverne, Minn.) pitched the final two and two-thirds with three runs allowed on four hits.
The Gusties scored a run in the top of the first inning, but that would be their only lead of the day as St. Thomas answered with two runs in the bottom half and continued to add to its lead with runs in all but one frame. The Gustavus defense struggled with six errors.
Aly Freeman (So., Omaha, Neb.) and Pederson led the Gusties at the plate, each with two hits. Freeman batted 2-for-4 with a run, two RBI, and a home run. Pederson went 2-for-2 with a run, RBI, and a walk.
Neuenfeldt started the 11th straight game on the mound for the Gusties, lasting one and two-thirds innings. She allowed five earned runs on seven hits. Freeman pitched two and two-thirds with three earned runs and Debeer tossed one and two-thirds with two earned runs.
Gustavus next competes Saturday at the Rochester Regional Bubble against Carleton. Game one of the MIAC doubleheader begins at 5:30 p.m.