MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University softball team dropped a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader against the College of Saint Benedict at Edor Nelson Field on Wednesday, falling 12-0 in five innings in the first game and 11-1 in the second.
THE BASICS
SCORES: Saint Benedict 12, Augsburg 0 (5 inn.); Saint Benedict 11, Augsburg 1
LOCATION: Edor Nelson Field, Minneapolis
RECORD: Augsburg 7-20 overall (2-9 MIAC), Saint Benedict 19-9 overall (9-1 MIAC)
GAME 1 RECAP
In the first game, the Auggies managed just two hits, while Saint Benedict powered their victory with 11 hits, including a home run.
Brooke Laier pitched a complete game, delivering 5 innings despite facing challenges by allowing 12 runs on 11 hits, with 6 earned runs and 7 walks. She struck out 2 batters while conceding 1 home run, throwing 135 pitches.
Lola Pilon and
Aleia Johnston each recorded one hit for the Auggies, with Johnston also drawing a walk to help generate opportunities. However, the team's efforts were overshadowed by an explosive first inning from the Bennies, who scored eight runs. Key moments included a catcher's interference that loaded the bases, followed by an RBI walk and a double from Tuscany Ballot, which added two more runs. Bryn Ruhberg's double further extended the lead, leaving the Auggies trailing significantly after just one inning.
Augsburg struggled to recover, with Johnston providing a spark through a walk in the second inning and a single in the fourth, but the team couldn't capitalize.
GAME 2 RECAP
In the second game, Augsburg managed to collect eight hits but scored just once, with their lone run coming in the seventh inning. Saint Benedict took advantage of 13 walks and recorded six hits, including another home run.
Zoe Adkins pitched a complete game for the Auggies, allowing 11 earned runs on six hits over 7 innings while facing control challenges. She issued 13 walks and struck out four batters, throwing 149 pitches with 63 strikes.
Megan Gissler led the Auggie offensive efforts, scoring one run and collecting two hits, while
Mckenna Haug also contributed with two hits.
Jaime Olson added one hit and one RBI, drawing a walk as well. Augsburg had opportunities earlier in the game, notably loading the bases in the second inning, but a fielder's choice ended the threat. Despite a final attempt to rally with Olson's RBI fielder's choice, the game concluded with a double play.
The Auggies are scheduled to face Bethel University in a MIAC doubleheader on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. in Arden Hills, Minn.
