MINOT, ND – The Minot State softball team opened NSIC play the perfect way, sweeping a doubleheader Tuesday from in-state rival the University of Mary in the Air-Supported Dome on the MSU campus.
Taryn Bennett scored the game-winner on the back half of a double steal attempt as the Beavers (15-9 overall, 2-0 NSIC) took the opener 3-2, then Kierra Fournier threw a two-hit shutout as Minot State finished the sweep with an 8-0 win in five innings.
The Beavers continue a 10-game home stand by hosting two more NSIC doubleheaders this weekend as they entertain Minnesota Duluth on Saturday at noon, then host St. Cloud State on Sunday at 10 a.m.
The University of Mary also will be in town this weekend playing St. Cloud State in a doubleheader at MSU's Bubble follow the Beavers twinbill on Saturday, then the Marauders take on Minnesota Duluth on Sunday after Minot State's games.
GAME 1 | Minot State 3, Mary 2
MINOT, ND -- Minot State held the Mary Marauders to two runs on Tuesday, and the Beavers lineup did the rest, pushing just enough runners across to pick up the 3-2 victory.
Freshman Calley Olson (6-1) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Minot State. The right-hander went 3.1 shutout innings while giving up two hits, allowing no walks and striking out one.
At the plate, the Beavers were led by senior Leo Watson, who went 1-for-2 on the day with a triple. Junior Izzy Penner put together a noteworthy effort as well, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Freshman Paige Kellogg also helped out for Minot State, putting together one hit in three trips to the plate while adding an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Beavers were trailing 1-0 in the third inning when they first put runs on the board. Minot State scored twice, with one run coming across on Kellogg's single.
After the Marauders rallied to tie the ballgame at two, the Beavers came back to retake the lead in the fourth inning. Junior Taryn Bennett came across to score the lone run of the inning for Minot State, which brought the Beavers lead to 3-2. The score remained 3-2 for the rest of the game, as Minot State held on for the win.
GAME NOTES
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the third, when it pushed two runs across.
» Minot State went 3-for-6 (.500) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers limited Mary to just 1-for-6 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 30 Mary hitters in the game, allowing 11 ground balls and seven fly balls while striking out three.
» Watson led the Beavers at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a triple.
» Mary was led offensively by freshman Madison Wszolek, who went 2-for-2.
» Sophomore Emari Evans led the Marauders pitching staff, throwing three shutout innings.
GAME 2 | Minot State 8, Mary 0
MINOT, ND --Freshman Kierra Fournier was dealing on Tuesday, throwing a two-hit shutout to lead the Minot State Beavers past the Mary Marauders 8-0 in five innings.
Fournier (3-3) went the distance for Minot State, giving up two hits, walking one and striking out three.
In the batter's box, the Beavers were led by sophomore Abby Lohse, who went 1-for-1 on the day with a triple and three RBI. Senior Leo Watson put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-3 with a triple and two RBI. Freshman Sara Van Wickler also helped out for Minot State, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a double and an RBI.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Beavers took the lead for good in the second, scoring for the first time in the inning. Minot State's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a two-run triple off the bat of Watson.
The Beavers also added runs in the third inning when they scored three times.
GAME NOTES
» Fournier tossed a two-hit shutout for the Beavers.
» Minot State's highest-scoring inning was the second, when it pushed five runs across.
» The Beavers out-hit the Marauders at a 4-2 clip.
» Minot State went 3-for-8 (.375) with runners in scoring position.
» Minot State pitchers faced 17 Mary hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and one fly balls while striking out three.
» The Beavers drew five walks from Mary pitching.
» Lohse led the Beavers at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a triple and three RBI.
» Mary was led offensively by senior Kaylee Kannegiesser, who went 1-for-2.
» Junior Nicole Eckhardt led the Marauders pitching staff, throwing 1.2 shutout innings.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
