EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (2-0) completed a successful doubleheader against Macalester College (0-2) on Friday at Sonnentag Fieldhouse, winning both games with scores of 12-5 and 9-5. The Blugolds showcased powerful offensive performances throughout the matches, highlighted by key rallies and strong contributions from multiple players.
In the first game, UW-Eau Claire secured a decisive 12-5 victory, marked by an impressive eight-run rally in the fifth inning. Both teams scored three runs in the first inning, with Macalester's runs coming from a RBI single and a throwing error that allowed two unearned runs. The Blugolds responded with a two-run homer by
Claire Beck and a solo home run by
Siri Springer, tying the game at 3-3.
The second inning saw the Blugolds take a 4-3 lead when
Paige Lathrop singled to drive in
Hailey Hagedorn, who had reached on an error. However, Macalester tied the game in the third inning with a sacrafice groundout, followed by a solo home run in the fourth, putting Macalester ahead 5-4.
The fifth inning was a turning point, as UW-Eau Claire exploded for eight runs, featuring contributions from
Norah Kutnink,
Bella Florio,
Kennedy Tumm,
Breeley Gluch,
Chloe Ricard, and
Paige Lathrop.
Brooklyn Swanepoel's double down the left-field line capped the rally, giving the Blugolds a commanding 12-5 lead, which they maintained through the end of the game.
Brooklyn Swanepoel stood out with three hits, including a double, while also driving in two runs and scoring twice.
Claire Beck's power shone with a home run and two RBI's, and
Siri Springer recorded two hits, including a home run, along with two RBI's and five assists in the field.
From the stripe in game one,
Claire Beck (1-0) earned the victory for Eau Claire pitching three innings of relief, allowing just hit run, and striking out two during the 11 batters she faced.
In the second game, the Blugolds continued their dominance with a 9-5 victory, fueled by a strong offensive start that included a 4-run first inning.
Paige Lathrop walked and stole second to set up
Molly Marquardt's two-run homer.
Claire Beck and
Norah Kutnink added doubles, with Kutnink driving in Beck, followed by
Hailey Hagedorn's double that scored Kutnink, leading to a 4-0 advantage.
Paige Lathrop's continued success on the evening was evident in the second inning as she singled and advanced to third on a bunt single by
Brooklyn Swanepoel.
Molly Marquardt's subsequent single brought both runners home, extending the lead to 6-0. Macalester narrowed the gap with a grand slam in the fourth, making it 6-4.
UW-Eau Claire added crucial insurance runs in the fifth, with
Claire Beck and
Hailey Hagedorn contributing to the score, leading to an 8-4 advantage. Macalester managed to add a run in the sixth, but
Brooklyn Swanepoel scored on Beck's single, solidifying the Blugolds' 9-5 victory.
On the pitching side in game two,
Lauren Trottier (1-0) delivered an effective performance, pitching four innings and allowing three earned runs with four strikeouts to earn the win.
Emma Sather followed with three innings of relief, giving up one run and earning the save.
Brooklyn Swanepoel shone again with three hits and two runs scored, while
Molly Marquardt drove in four runs with her home run.
Claire Beck added three hits and two RBI's, and
Hailey Hagedorn delivered two hits with three RBI's, demonstrating strong offensive prowess throughout the doubleheader.
The Blugolds now hold a record of 2-0, while Macalester falls to 0-2. Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will host the College of Saint Benedict on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at Sonnentag Fieldhouse in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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