Mitchell, S.D. –
Dakota Wesleyan University softball hosted its final home game of the 2024 season against non-conference foe Dakota State University. After being down 6-1 in game one, DWU found their stroke and put seven runs on the board in the bottom of the 6th to take the lead and win game one 8-7. Game two the Tigers kept it rolling as they shut out DSU and put up eight runs, six of them in the 6th inning. DWU would come out with the sweep in their final non-conference game of the year. Alyssa Burke broke the DWU All-Time Hits records as she recorded her 173rd hit in game one. This is the fourth record Burke now owns as a Tiger in DWU softball.
Game was started with DSU getting on the board early with one run on the first and three more in the third. DWU scored their first run only after DSU took a 5-0 lead in the fourth, making it appear to be a runaway for the Trojans. After Keirstyn Krcil, who started the game, was able to get out of the 6th inning with only one run scored, the Tigers took over. Elle Feser singled through the left side, allowing Jordyn Blogg to score the first run in the 6th. Peyton Bagley, who was recognized for her season triples record in a season the previous home game, would triple to the right side put two more runs up for the Tigers. Burke would break the all-time hits record in this inning as she doubled to left and earned an RBI. DSU scored one more run in the last inning of play but were unable to get the score tied up, giving the Tigers the 8-7 victory.
Grace Ortmeier, the DSU transfer, got the nod for the second game to be in the circle. Ortmeier would do her job at the pitching position, blanking the Trojans with her three strikeouts and putting them down in order in the fourth inning. DWU scored the first run in the third with a Sophie Wietzema double to left and earned an RBI with Baylee Brown stepping on the home plate. DWU took a two-run lead after the fourth and were holding onto it, keeping DSU off the bases with Ortmeier in the ring. Once again in the sixth inning, DWU put up big numbers with six runs coming across the dish. The Tigers put in six runs on six hits to beat the Trojans 8-0 and end the game after six innings of play. DWU earns to sweep in the final home game of the season.
Up Next for the Tigers –
DWU travels to Omaha, Neb. to face the Flames of College of Saint Mary this Saturday, April 27th. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.