Mitchell, S.D. –
The Tigers were ready for some home action after having several games rescheduled because of snow and cold weather. Keirstyn Krcil got the nod in the first home game of the season against the Dordt University Defenders. After the first two batters were walked, Krcil would strike out the third batter up and the Tiger infielders worked a double play from Nora Nelson and Jaden Warner to get out of the first inning unscathed. Warner batted third for the Tigers and singled up the middle for the first base hit of the day for DWU. McKinnely Mull followed up Warners hit with a double and Head Coach Tommy Downs sent Warner home for the first score of the game. The second inning Krcil retired the side after inducing three ground outs, a pair of them to shortstop Mull.
Dordt bounced back in the third inning and ripped off seven runs on nine hits. Dakota Wesleyan was unable to respond and surrendered three more runs, one in the fourth and two in sixth before the game was called. The Tigers did have some solid performances, as Warner had eight put outs at first base, three of them coming from Mull at the short stop position. Monique Gomez went 2 for 2 on hitting to go with her two put outs and two assists.
Game two the Defenders scored first, putting six runs on the Tigers through the first four innings. Finally in the bottom of the fourth DWU got something going after Kaylie Mathiasen doubled out to center. Mull was the next batter up and on the second pitch of the at bat, she hit a two-run shot over the left field fence for her second home run of the year. Dordt scored one more insurance run in the sixth inning, making it 7-2 heading into the last frame. Grace Ortmeier was in the circle for game two and was able to put the Defenders down in order with a pair of fly outs and a ground out in the seventh.
With a comeback on their mind, DWU looked to get runners in scoring position. Gomez singled up the middle in her last at bat and Peyton Bagley came in to pinch run. Baylee Brown stepped up to the plate and single to right in her first at bat and Bagley advanced to second. Jordan Blogg reached first on a fielder's choice and as Badley was sliding into third, a Dordt infielder sailed the ball over the third baseman, allowing Peyton to get home and score the Tigers third and final run of the game. Dordt would take down the last two Tiger batters and get the 7-3 win in game two.
Quick Stats –
Game 1 –
Hitters –
Monique Gomez - 2 for 2
Jaden Warner - 1 for 3, 1 R
McKinnely Mull - 1 for 3, 1 RBI
Pitcher –
Keirstyn Krcil – 6.0 innings, 1 K, 10 ER, 4 BB
Game 2
Hitters –
Kaylie Mathiasen – 2 for 3, 1 R
McKinnely Mull – 1 for 3, 1 HR, 2 RBI
Pitcher –
Grace Ortmeier – 7.0 innings, 2 K, 5 ER, 3 BB
