TIGER SOFTBALL DROPS FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON AFTER FOURTH INNING SLIP
Minot, N.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University softball was holding strong against Valley City State to start the first game of the season; until the fourth inning when they were unable to get the third out and strand Viking runners on base.
The Quick Details
Score:
DWU 9 – VCSU 12
Records:
DWU 0-1
VCSU 2-1
How It Happened
Valley City got a single run in the top of the first inning on a double to center field, but the Tigers ended up stranding a pair of Viking runners on. McKinnely Mull got her season off to a hot start sending her first hit of 2023 over the left field fence tying the game at 1-1. Alyssa Burke also got her season off to a good start, reaching base on a bunt single then grabbing her first stolen base. After Burke advanced to third on a groundout from Peyton Bagley, she was able to score on a passed ball giving DWU a 2-1 lead after one complete inning.
VCSU grabbed two more runs on back-to-back walks before the Tigers were able to strand three more Viking runners on base. Lena McCoy reached first after an error after being the second batter to the plate in the second inning. McCoy was able to advance to second on a passed ball before stealing third. Meghan Daffern got her first plate appearance, sending her hit down the right field line and over the fence for the Tigers second homerun of the game to lead 4-3. After getting out of the third inning with no runs allowed, DWU came back to the plate as Burke single to third on a bunt, then Peyton Bagley hit her first homerun of the season to left field, putting the Tigers head, 6-3. The fourth inning got away from the Tigers. After back-to-back singles from the Vikings, VCSU hit their first homerun of the game to knot the score at 6-6 with no outs. With two outs, Valley City hit two single in a row, breaking the tie, and putting the Vikings ahead, 9-6 before the Tigers were able to get back to the plate. Dakota Wesleyan couldn't answer in the bottom of the inning as they stranded a pair of runners on base. Three more runs were put on the board by VCSU in the fifth inning, but DWU stranded two more Viking runners before a routine pop ball. The Tigers grabbed one more run in the bottom of the inning on a double from McCoy allowing Destinee Nelson to cross the plate. Valley City was held scoreless in the sixth inning, but so wasn't DWU as the Vikings stranded three runners on base, and the Tigers stranded one. Down to their last out of the game and one runner on base; the Tigers hit a single up the middle allowing Jordyn Blogg to score on McCoy's single. Daffern followed with a triple to right center field, allowing McCoy to score, but it wasn't enough as the third and final out of the game was a groundout to second base.
Katelyn Farris was hit with the loss after tossing four complete innings and allowing seven hits, six runs, four earned runs, while striking out three batters. Danielle Ratute tossed three complete innings allowing eight hits, six runs, and walking four. McKinnely Mull went 2-for-4 with a run, an RBI, a home run, and a stolen base. Burke was 3-for-4 with two runs, and a stolen base. McCoy went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, two runs, two RBI, and a stolen base. Daffern was 2-for-3 with one run, three RBI, a triple, and a home run.
Up Next
Tiger softball is back in action tomorrow afternoon for their first double header of the season. DWU will open the day against Carroll College before taking on Minot State. DWU and CC are set for first pitch at 11 a.m. then the Tigers and Beavers will get underway at 1 p.m., both games will be in the Minot State Bubble and first pitch times could vary.
