Mankato, MN -- After going 0-2 on day one of the Bethany Kwik Trip Invitational hosted by Bethany Lutheran College, the North Central University (NCU) softball team would take on the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University (SMU) and the Gusties of Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC). The Rams looked to bounce back from yesterday's losses and get their first win of the season. However, NCU was defeated by both teams to start week one of the 2024 season 0-4. SMU's offense would be too much for NCU as the Cardinals won by a final score of 22-1. In game two versus Gustavus Adolphus, the Gusties walked it off in the fifth inning beating North Central 10-2.
Game 1: NCU 1, SMU 22
The North Central offense struggled early as Saint Mary's starting pitcher threw a perfect first three innings. In the fourth inning, a walk from shortstop Isabela Gallardo and a single up the middle from catcher Aurora Prettyman would break up the perfect game. With Gallardo at third, Maggie Kohl knocked the Rams' only run of the game as she reached on a fielder's choice. However, the Cardinals' offense proved to be too much for the NCU pitchers as SMU scored 22 runs on 20 hits. The Rams also struggled defensively as NCU committed 7 errors. In the end, North Central would be defeated via the mercy rule by a final score of 22-1.
Game 2: NCU 2, GAC 10
The Gusties got their bats going from the jump as they put up a crooked number in the first inning. Gustavus scored 8 runs on 6 hits and 4 NCU errors. After giving up 8 runs in the first inning, North Central starting pitcher Carla Mendoza would find her rhythm as she put up zeros in innings 2, 3, and 4.
The Rams were able to push 2 runs across in the top of the fourth. Aurora Prettyman drew a walk and her pinch runner, Genesis Friedl advanced to third with a pair of wild pitches. With runners on first and third, Mendoza's squeeze would be good enough to score Friedl from third. Freshman Shelly Escobedo picked up her first collegiate hit as she doubled to score Maggie Kohl and break up the no-no to make it 8-2 still in favor of the Gusties.
In the bottom of the fifth, Gustavus would be able to plate 2 runs and walk it off 10-2 by way of the mercy rule. The Gusties were able to score 10 runs thanks to 10 hits, 2 walks, and 5 Rams errors.
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