The College of Saint Benedict softball team used a sixth inning rally in the second game of Saturday afternoon's doubleheader against Augsburg to earn their second consecutive split to start the MIAC season. The Blazers (2-2 MIAC, 7-11 overall) bounced back after dropping the opener 6-3 to defeat the Auggies 7-6 in the nightcap.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Augsburg jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead after the top half of the third inning. CSB managed to rally for two runs in the bottom of the third inning to cut into the lead. The Blazers took advantage of an Augsburg error that allowed the first run to score, and the next batter, sophomore Sierra Dooley (Spring Lake Park, MN, Spring Lake Park), hit a sacrifice fly that scored senior Shannon Eveland (Maple Grove, MN, Maple Grove). Augsburg added two key insurance runs in the top of the fourth inning to extend their lead. Junior KH had an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Auggies sent the Blazers down in order in the seventh inning to earn the victory.
Eveland led the CSB offense in game one with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Sophomore pitcher Emma Alwin (Plymouth, MN, Wayzata) suffered the loss but only allowed two earned runs and struck out four batters over seven innings.
In the nightcap, the Auggies jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the top half of third inning, but the Blazers answered in the bottom of the third inning with three runs highlighted by an RBI double from junior catcher Carissa Hancock (Grand Rapids, MN, Grand Rapids). An RBI double from junior Alyssa Kubesh (Buffalo Lake, MN, Buffalo Lake-Hector) helped CSB add two more runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 5-2 lead. The Auggies answered with a four-run fifth inning to take the lead back. Junior Abby Richardson (Storm Lake, IA, St. Mary's) came up with a key defensive play by making a diving catch to end the Augsburg rally. Junior Devin Bowlin (Winona, MN, Winona Cotter) had an RBI single to tie the game 6-6, and Herges hit a sacrifice fly to knock in the go ahead run. Alwin earned the save by pitching the final two innings and striking out two batters in the seventh inning.
Augsburg outhit the Blazers 14-6 in the second game of the doubleheader, but the Blazers took advantage of six Augsburg errors to keep the game within reach. Bowlin finished 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI to lead the CSB offense. Junior pitcher Laura Althoff (Jordan, MN, Jordan) started the game and struck out three batters before being relieved by junior Elle Borba (Ontario, CA, St. Lucy's Priory) in the fifth inning. Borba pitched 2/3 of an inning and was credited with the win.
CSB will host St. Olaf College tomorrow afternoon, April 11, for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
Game 1 Box Score
Game 2 Box Score
