EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (www.blugolds.com) — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team faced UW-Superior in a thrilling doubleheader on Tuesday at Sonnentag Fieldhouse, winning the first game 5–3 and clinching the second game 9–8 on a walk off double.
In the first game, UW-Eau Claire's decisive second inning, where it scored all five of its runs, proved crucial in the outcome.
Hailey Hagedorn singled to left field, followed by a sacrifice bunt from
Marlee Smith, advancing Hagedorn to second.
Paige Lathrop walked, and
Brooklyn Swanepoel singled, loading the bases.
Molly Marquardt then doubled to right field, bringing in three runs.
Claire Beck singled down the third base line, scoring Marquardt, and
Norah Kutnink reached on an error, allowing Beck to score. The inning ended with UW-Eau Claire leading 5–0.
In the fourth inning, UW-Superior got on the board with a solo home run, bringing the score to 5–1. The fifth inning saw UW-Superior adding another run on a triple and a single, making it 5–2. UW-Superior continued its comeback attempt in the seventh inning, scoring one more run on a single by Swartz, but UW-Eau Claire held on for the 5-3 win.
Claire Beck pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 earned runs on 5 hits, with 2 strikeouts and no walks. Beck faced 22 batters, throwing 68 pitches with 46 strikes, and maintained a WHIP of 0.83.
Kasey Felden entered in relief for 1 inning, giving up 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 1, earning her second save of the season. Marquardt drove in three runs with a double, contributing significantly to the team's offense. Swanepoel collected two hits and scored a run while also making four assists from the shortstop position. Lathrop reached base twice, recording a double and a walk, and crossed the plate once.
In the second game, the Blugolds took an early lead in the first inning when
Paige Lathrop singled, and both
Brooklyn Swanepoel and
Molly Marquardt reached base on errors.
Claire Beck then delivered a key hit, driving in two runs. The score at the end of the first inning was 2-0 in favor of UW-Eau Claire.
In the second inning,
Breeley Gluch singled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by
Marlee Smith. Lathrop doubled to bring Gluch home, extending the lead to 3-0 by the end of the inning. Beck added to the lead with a solo home run in the third inning, making it 4-0. The Blugolds maintained the lead through a scoreless fourth inning.
The fifth inning was eventful as UW-Superior scored two runs with a home run. However, UW-Eau Claire responded by scoring four runs.
Norah Kutnink doubled, and
Jane Wallace followed with a single, advancing to second on an error, allowing Kutnink to score.
Siri Springer hit a two-run homer, and Gluch walked and later scored on Swanepoel's single. The inning ended with UW-Eau Claire leading 8–2.
In the sixth inning, UW-Superior made a comeback, scoring six runs, highlighted by a grand slam, tying the game at 8-8. The Blugolds found the final run on a walk off double by
Marlee Smith as Gluch was called safe at home on catcher's obstruction, giving UWEC the 9-8 victory.
Lauren Trottier delivered a strong performance for UWEC, pitching 5 innings with only 2 earned runs allowed on 6 hits, while striking out 1 and issuing 2 walks.
Emma Sather closed the game with 2 innings pitched, allowing 2 runs on 1 hit and 1 walk, securing her first win of the season despite the late-game pressure.
Claire Beck recorded three RBIs and hit a home run, contributing significantly to the team's scoring. Lathrop collected three hits, including a double, and added an RBI. Smith also delivered three hits, one of which was a double, driving in one run. Gluch crossed home plate three times, showcasing her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
The Blugolds have an overall record of 16–4. UW-Superior has an overall record of 10–8.
Up next for UW-Eau Claire is a home game against St. Catherine University on Sunday, March 29, at 1 p.m. CT. The matchup is scheudled to take place at Bollinger Fields.
