Contact: Ashleigh Jones, Sports Information Graduate Assistant
Game one Box Score
Game two Box Score
CHICAGO, Ill. (April 26, 2018)- After going six innings with just four hits recorded in game one, the North Central College softball team rallied in the top of the seventh to put away its College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin opponent North Park University 6-3 and then overpowered the Vikings in game two with a commanding 11-2 victory.
North Park jumped ahead early in game one, taking a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first following an error. The Viking's fielding would then hold the Cardinals to just four hits and a total of nine left on over the course of six innings.
Despite North Central's hitting drought throughout game one, the determination to get back into the game was evident as the top of the order came up to bat in the top of the seventh. The Cardinals would go 4-for-4 recording three singles, a home run by Jenna Trojniar and three runs scored, tying the game 3-3.
With momentum on their side, the Cardinals loaded the bases three times off of three consecutive walks, scoring two more runs to take a late 5-3 lead.
With bases loaded for the fourth time and a new pitcher for North Park in the circle, North Central would bat around giving Emily Miller yet another chance to single up the middle and bring in the Cardinals' sixth run of the evening.
Leading 6-3 in the bottom of the seventh, North Central's starting pitcher Sarah Esposito found herself in a bind with bases loaded, and two put away. After almost pitching a complete game and holding the Vikings to just three runs, Esposito was relieved by Jessica Weaver to fend off North Park's chances to clear the bases.
Though the Vikings almost closed the gap on the Cardinals, a ground out to Weaver would allow North Central to exhale and celebrate its 6-3 game one victory.
In game two North Park once again led the Cardinals 2-0 in the top of the third, only to be silenced after Alexandra Martin and Samantha Gadomski were advanced to scoring position following a sacrifice bunt by Lisa Harrington.
With two outs and runners at second and third, Trojniar doubled to center field recording 2 RBI. Rachele Belletini would followup with a double of her own bringing in Trojniar, giving the Cardinals a 3-2 lead over North Park.
From then on the Vikings had no answer while facing North Central's defense. In the top of the fourth Jennifer Yager played a significant role in shutting down the Vikings ability to getting on base, recording two of her 11 ground outs.
The bottom of the fourth the Cardinals would exert their dominance once again, scoring eight runs off of seven hits and once again batting around. With a clear 11-2 advantage and an opportunity to end the game in just five innings, North Central put the Vikings away quickly with three ground outs in the top of the fifth.
The Cardinals (26-6, 10-4 CCIW) continue their stretch of road games in Rock Island, Illinois to face Augustana College on Saturday, April 28. First pitch is set for 1 PM. For live stats click HERE.
