March 15, 2010

RedStorm take two from Cumberland

Lebanon, Tn. --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball team recorded an impressive sweep of Cumberland (TN) University on Sunday, winning the first game, 4-0 and taking game two in run-rule fashion, 11-1.

Rio Grande (8-2) received another lights out pitching performance from sophomore Anna Smith (Ross, OH). Smith (6-1) went the distance and allowed only two hits. She fanned five and walked only one batter.

Senior centerfielder Leah Hamman (Lexington, OH) led the Rio offense, going 2-for-2 with home run. 

The RedStorm clubbed three long balls in the game. Senior catcher Kaylyn Heading (Hilliard, OH) gave Rio a 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the first inning. Freshman leftfielder Kaitie Stewart (Pleasant Hill, OH) clubbed a two-run homer in the seventh to finish the scoring. 

Allison Blackwood took the loss for Cumberland (4-7).

In game two, Rio scored in every inning but the fourth in rolling to an 11-1 victory in five innings. The RedStorm started strong with four runs in the first. Rio added single runs in the second and third and completed the doubleheader sweep with five runs in the fifth. 

Hamman put together another perfect game at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBI's and three runs scored. She also stole two bases. Heading went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run.

Junior shortstop Amber Bowman (Hebron, OH) went 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI's while freshman second baseman Katie Fuller (Hamilton, OH) was 1-for-1 with a pair of RBI's and freshman designated hitter Mackenzie Rucker (Proctorville, OH) was 2-for-2 with three runs scored.

Sophomore Allison Mills (West Chester, OH) went the distance for the win for Rio Grande in the second game. Mills (2-1) allowed one unearned run in seven complete innings, while scattering five hits, giving up one walk and striking out three.

Caitlin Gray started the game and lost for Cumberland. 

Rio will face off with Trevecca Nazarene Monday. The first game is set to get underway at 4 p.m. EDT.