April 19, 2010

Rio Grande takes two from St. Catharine

St. Catharine, KY --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball team swept a doubleheader from St. Catharine College on Friday afternoon, winning two close encounters by scores of 1-0 and 3-2.

Rio Grande (24-18, 13-11 MSC) received outstanding pitching in both games, first from sophomore Anna Smith (Ross, OH) and then from sophomore Allison Mills (West Chester, OH). Both teams were hampered on offense by tremendous wind gusts.

The RedStorm scored the only run of the game in the third inning on an RBI double off the bat of senior centerfielder Leah Hamman (Lexington, OH). Rio had only five hits in game one with Smith leading the way, going 2-for-3. Sophomore first baseman Chelsie Brooks (North Lewisburg, OH) and freshman third baseman Jaymie Rector (Heath, OH) were 1-for-3 and 1-for-2 respectively. Rector scored the lone run and swiped two bases.

Smith (13-13) was dominant on the mound as she held St. Catharine (14-30, 6-14 MSC) to only two hits. She fanned eight and walked two in seven innings. 

Megan Beecham took the loss for the Patriots. She deserved a better fate, pitching seven innings, giving up five hits and one run with three strikeouts.

Rio Grande scored twice in the third inning of game two to take a 2-1 advantage and then with the score tied in the fifth, Rio went in front for good with a run. 

Senior catcher Kaylyn Heading (Hilliard, OH) delivered a big two-run base hit to give the RedStorm the 2-1 lead and junior shortstop Amber Bowman (Hebron, OH) had the game-winning RBI with a single in the fifth. Bowman was 2-for-3 in the game with a run scored and an RBI. Rector, Hamman and Mills all added hits with Rector and Hamman scoring runs. 

Mills (11-4) threw the ball well in picking up the complete game victory. She limited St. Catharine to four hits and two runs in seven innings while striking out three and walking one. 

Ashley Hardin absorbed the loss for St. Catharine. She allowed seven hits and three runs (one earned) in seven innings. She posted four strikeouts in the game. 

"It was an extremely windy day," said Rio Grande head coach David Pyles. "Any fly ball held up and I thought it affected the game, kept the score close."

"Both Anna and Allison pitched very well, Pyles added. "Overall it was a good performance for us."

The two teams will hook up again on Saturday beginning at 12:00 p.m.