Junior infielder Megan Baniecke scored three runs in the second of two games Sunday at South Field, leading the St. Thomas softball team to a 10-0 and 8-0 victory, their 19th and 20th straight win against Augsburg.
The mercy rule was enacted for both games and the Tommies (17-5, 10-2 MIAC) stopped the Auggies (4-20, 1-11 MIAC) from scoring any runs. Sophomore Lauren Berrige was a part of the starting lineup for the first time in her collegiate career, and was able to get one out for the Tommies.
“We have such a big team,” senior catcher Bridget Armstrong said. “It was great to see a lot of non-starters out there, and it was great to see a lot of different people get to hit and run.”
This continues the Tommies six-game home shutout streak, which started April 3 when they stopped Saint Mary’s University from scoring any runs.
The Tommies’ celebrated senior day, where graduating seniors were honored by their fellow players. Coach John Tschida says that his team’s senior players were the key to winning both games.
“We’ve been amazingly lucky with our seniors when we’ve been lucky enough to get them in and let them all contribute. It seems like we have great days when they do, which is awesome,” Tschida said. “The players rally around the seniors and get excited for them to have a big game.”
Game #1
The game started with no runs in the first two innings, but that dry streak ended after the Tommies scored four runs in the third inning. That was followed by three runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth inning before the game ended due to the mercy rule.
The Tommies were able to strike out four of the Auggies batters while not striking out a single time themselves.
Armstrong says that she was grateful for the team’s energy during this game.
“I think our hitting was a really big strength, and our energy was too. Having a really loud bench always helps.” Armstrong said.
In the fourth inning, sophomore outfielder Coryn Jacobson hit an in-the-park home run, which also allowed sophomore Mackenzie Rudy to score. This is Jacobson’s second home run this season, after scoring a home run at Carleton College on April 15.
Game #2
The Tommies ended the second game early after scoring 10 runs throughout five innings. The Auggies were unable to respond to the Tommie’s offense, and were shut out once again.
Junior infielder and pitcher Carlie Bell made her first collegiate appearance to close out the fifth inning. Despite a few hiccups at first, she was grateful for the experience.
“It was really exciting. I started off with those illegal pitches, but I knew the adjustment that had to be made and I was really happy in how the change up was getting thrown, definitely my favorite pitch, and I was happy to come strong with that.” Bell said.
The Tommies will face Gustavus Adolphus College at home on April 21 for two games at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Owen Larson can be reached at lars621@stthomas.edu.