ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict softball team (10-8, 2-0 WIAC) posted a dominant doubleheader sweep over Augsburg (10-12, 1-3 MIAC) on a chilly Saturday afternoon at the CSB Softball Field, winning 10-7 in game one and 11-1 in game two. The Bennies have now won six of their last eight games.
Game 1 – Saint Benedict 10, Augsburg 7
In a thrilling comeback, CSB rallied from early 2-0 and 5-3 deficits to defeat Augsburg, 10-7. Senior
Olivia Tautges led the offense with three hits, including a home run, while scoring three runs. Tautges' homer was her third of the season and the 19th of her career, moving her to third place on the program's all-time list. The Bennies had six players record hits in the game.
After falling behind 2-0 in the first inning, CSB responded with three runs to take a 3-2 lead. After trailing, 5-3, in the third inning, the Bennies scored four runs to go up, 7-5. Augsburg tied the game at 7-7 in the fourth, but CSB regained the lead with two runs in the fifth and one in the sixth to secure the win. First-year
Izzy Radel contributed with a hit, two runs, and two RBI, while senior
Addy Bowne added a hit and an RBI.
Ellie Peterson started in the circle but did not factor in the decision, allowing five hits and five runs in three innings.
Anna Corbid pitched one inning, giving up two hits and two runs, while Bowne earned the win with three shutout innings, allowing no hits and striking out two.
Game 2 – Saint Benedict 11, Augsburg 1 (5 innings)
In game two, CSB erupted for 11 runs in the first three innings, capped off by
Bryn Ruhberg's first career grand slam, to record an 11-1 run-rule shortened win over Augsburg.
Ruhberg finished the game with two hits, four RBI, and two runs scored. The Bennies recorded 12 hits, including two each from Bowne, Ruhberg, and Smetana, who also added two RBI.
CSB quickly took control, jumping to a 5-1 lead in the first inning. They extended the lead with two runs in the third, and Ruhberg's grand slam gave the Bennies an 11-1 advantage after three innings.
Olivia Wallace earned the win in the circle, allowing one run and seven hits in five innings while striking out two batters and walking just one.
By the Numbers – CSB's Offensive Surge in Past 4 Games
Over the past four games, CSB has been on a tear, scoring 50 runs and hitting .447 as a team. The Bennies have tallied 51 hits, including 23 extra-base hits, with a .772 slugging percentage and a .515 on-base percentage. They have also stolen 16 bases in 17 attempts. Individually,
Bryn Ruhberg has been a standout, hitting .700 with two home runs, 10 RBI, and a 1.500 slugging percentage.
Olivia Tautges is hitting .583 with six RBI and a 1.167 slugging percentage, while first-year
Lauren Freeberg is batting .500 with five RBI. Senior
Addy Bowne has six hits, including a home run and five RBI, for a 1.222 slugging percentage. In the circle, CSB pitchers have posted a 4.26 ERA with 17 strikeouts across the last four games.
Next, the Bennies will return to action on Tuesday, April 8, with a home doubleheader against Concordia-Moorhead at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.