Kelly Swank's five hit, four RBI day at the plate helped the Minnesota Duluth Bulldog softball team to a series split against the Saint Leo University Lions on Friday evening in Saint Leo, FL. After dropping game one 4-3, the Bulldogs responded with a 8-2 statement victory over the Lions in game two. With the win in game two, UMD finishes their two-week Florida road trip with a 7-5 record and moves to 15-6 overall on the season.
In seven plate appearances on the day, Swank notched five hits, including a two-run home run in game two. 5th-year senior
Jordyn Thomas chipped in three hits over the two game series and also noted three RBI's. Additionally,
Kat Burkhardt,
Kiana Bender, and
Nicole Schmitt all posted an RBI each in game two.
Sam Pederson continued her strong play in game two, picking up her fifth win of the season after giving the Bulldogs 5.1 strong innings of work. Pederson held the Lions to just two hits and one earned run, while also striking out three batters.
"Florida battle-tested us but we came away with a lot of moments to grow from," said Head Coach
Lynn Anderson. "If you think about it, four of our five losses in Florida were close games, where one hit, one bunt, one HBP - and those losses would be flipped to wins. Our bats came alive again in the last game, our defense and pitching staff is finding their groove, and we're going to use that momentum heading into conference play."
Game Two: 8-2 Victory over Saint Leo
Neither side would score a run through the first four innings of play. It's been a trend for UMD, who entered the day being shutout in three of their last four games. However, the offense came alive in the top of the fifth. Three big RBI singles from Burkhardt, Swank, and Bender opened the flood gates for the Bulldogs as they took a 4-0 lead after five. Following a Lions run in the sixth, UMD's offense went back to work. In the top of the seventh, Thomas notched an RBI double to left center field to give UMD a 5-1 lead. During the next at-bat, Swank smoked a two-RBI homer to score Thomas and extend the UMD lead to 7-1. On the play, Swank posted her fourth RBI of the day. Schmitt would add an RBI single in the inning to put the cherry on top of a 8-2 win.
Game One: 4-3 Loss to Saint Leo
Saint Leo got an early start in game one, noting a run in the bottom of the first. After a scoreless second inning, UMD would take the lead in the top of the third. A monster two-run home run from Thomas to left center would give up a 2-0 lead. For Thomas, the homer is her team-leading sixth of the season. UMD would take a 3-1 lead in the fifth thanks to an error to the Lions catcher. However, three runs from the Lions in the bottom of the sixth would secure a 4-3 comeback win for Saint Leo in game one.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will return home to Duluth and enjoy a few weeks rest. UMD will be back in action on March 29, when they host the Huskies of St. Cloud State in a two-game series.
