New Ulm, MN -- NCU Softball traveled to New Ulm today to take on the Martin Luther College (MLC) Knights in a doubleheader affair. The Rams showed some improvement from the plate, totaling 15 hits and 6 scored runs in the two games played. However, despite an improving offensive attack, North Central would be unable to overcome the Knights and would lose both games. 

Game 1 Recap:

Carla Mendoza would start game one on the mound. After a scoreless first at bat for the Rams, MLC would jump out to an early 4-0 lead. Inning two would feature strong defense from both sides, resulting in no runs being scored. In the top of the third, the Rams would pick up momentum at the plate. Angela Orozco would score the first run off a Maci Tripp RBI single. Tripp would then proceed to show off her good base running and score on a wild pitch. The Knights would respond by scoring 3 more runs, making the score 7-2 heading into the fourth inning. MLC would strikeout all three Rams batters and then follow this up with a 3-run homer in the bottom of the fourth. Needing to put up some runs to mount a comeback Delaney Riddle would get on base with a single. Aurora Prettyman would follow with a single of her own. Unfortunately, the bats would stall out and the Rams would lose 10-2. 

Game 2 Recap:

Mendoza would once again pitch for the Rams in game two. Similar to the prior game, North Central would struggle to hit in the opening inning. On the other hand, Martin Luther would find success early, turning 7 hits into 6 scored runs. To kick off the second inning, Mendoza would reach first on an error and then steal second. However, NCU could not get any runs on the board once again. Fielding errors from the Rams would lead to MLC scoring 13 total runs in the bottom of the inning. Responding with an offensive explosion of their own, North Central would score 4 runs in the third. Orozco would reach first after getting hit by a pitch. Then Tripp would single and Riddle would continue her strong performance with a RBI double to left field. Prettyman would then crush her first homerun of the season to score three more runs. Riddle entered to pitch for the Rams and the Knights tacked on one more run in the third to make it 20-4. NCU would go scoreless the rest of this one, and the Knights would add 5 more runs to take the 25-4 win. 
 

Key Performers:

• Delaney Riddle (Lake Stevens, WA) went 5-6 with one RBI and one run scored
• Aurora Prettyman (Portland, OR) went 4-6 with a homerun, 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored
• Maci Tripp (Waupaca, WI) went 3-6 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI

Looking Ahead:

North Central's Softball will travel to St. Bonifacius and battle against the Crown College Polars in a doubleheader on Saturday 1:00 & 3:00 PM to close out the regular season. 

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