Behind a combined 21 runs in two games, the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs softball team swept the Northern State Wolves in a two game series on Tuesday afternoon in Aberdeen, SD. UMD used 8-0 and 13-4 victories to record their second NSIC sweep of the season. The Bulldogs are currently riding a three game win-streak going back to their win over Minot State last weekend.
"Really proud of how our team battled through the uncontrollables today," said Head Coach
Lynn Anderson. "I wanted to see us come out and relentlessly compete inning by inning today and we did just that. The weather became the bigger factor in game two with the wind, rain and cold, but our team stayed focused and put up runs early and often. Overall, offensively, I really like how well our team is staying disciplined at the plate. We had selfless at-bats and we're squaring up pitches consistently agian. Today's wins were two good momentum wins for us heading inot this weekend."
UMD sophomore pitcher
Lauren Dixon came out dealing in game one. During UMD's 8-0 win, Dixon notched an impressive 15 strikeouts, while giving up just one hit in six innings of work. With the win, Dixon improves her record on the season to 8-4 overall. In game two, 5th-year senior
Sam Pederson gave the Bulldogs five solid inninngs, limiting the Wolves to just eight total hits and four runs. Pederson moves to 7-2 overall on the season with the win.
Junior catcher
Sidney Zavoral ignited UMD's offense on Tuesday. In game two, Zavoral posted two home runs, a double and four total RBIs. Zavoral now sits in a tie for third on the team in homers with four on the season. 5th-year senior
Emma Frost poured in a total of five hits and six RBIs across both games on Tuesday. Additionally, Frost labeled a home run in game one, her fourth of the year.
Jordyn Thomas also joined in on the offensive fun with two doubles and three RBIs of her own on Tuesday. Minnesota Duluth's 13-4 win in game two was the ninth time this season that the Bulldogs have registered eight or more runs in a game.
UMD jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead through two innings in game one. A two RBI double from Thomas, followed by a two RBI single from
Julia Gronholz would open the flood gates early. It's the third straight game in which the Bulldogs have scored five or more runs in the first two innings of a game. UMD would add a run in each of the fourth and sixth innings to secure the game one win in six innings. On the mound for the Bulldogs, Dixon recorded her fourth shutout of the season.
Game two began with a different story. Northern State used a solo homer to right center to stun UMD and take a 1-0 lead. However, the Bulldogs responded quickly with seven runs of their own in the top of the second. Frost's three RBI double to left center field would put the cherry on top of an explosive inning for the UMD offense. Not tired yet, the Bulldogs added five more runs in the top of the third. RBI hits from Frost and Zavoral would put the Bulldogs up 12-1 through three innings of play. Putting together a solid outing on the mound, Pederson would preserve a 13-4 victory in game two for UMD.
Next weekend, the Bulldogs will host both Alumni Day and their Mental Health Awareness game. "Hoping UMD fans can come out to Malosky and support us this weekend," said Anderson. "Great opponent matchups but also meaningful games in the sense that Saturday is an alumni day and Sunday is Mental Health Awareness game. Would love for Mother Nature to be kind to Duluth for both of these events!"
Up Next
The Bulldogs will open a six-game home stand this weekend in Duluth, Minn. UMD will open the weekend with a double header against the Mavericks of Minnesota State, Mankato on Saturday from Malosky Stadium. Game times are set for 1 & 3 PM on Saturday.
