Luther bats pound out 41 hits in sweep of Grinnell
April 2, 2009
Head Coach Renae Hartl sent 16 different batters to the plate in game one and 14 different batters to the plate in game two, as the Norse rolled to a double header sweep of Grinnell College this afternoon in Grinnell.
In game one, the Norse scored 26 runs on 25 hits that included a 13-run, 11-hit fifth inning, en route to a 26-0 victory in five innings. Tiffany Kruse led the offensive attack with a 3-for-5 performance driving in four runs. Three came on a three-run home run in the fifth, her sixth of the season. Kim Hess was also 3-for-5 and drove in three runs. Hannah Bygd, who pinch hit for Kruse the second time she cam around in the order, took advantage of her only trip to the plate driving in three runs with a double.
BreAnn VanDeer was credited with the win, her eighth of the year. VanDeer gave up two hits and struck out three. Ashlie Patten pitched the final two innings and struck out four of the six batters she faced.
In game two, Luther tallied 18 runs on 16 hits and won the nightcap 18-0 in five innings. Bre Twait was 4-for-4, drove in two runs and scored four times. Rolanda Jacobs was 2-for-2 and drove in four runs.
Kelsey Hake allowed just three hits in four innings of work and was credited with the victory. Hake walked one and struck out five. Patten pitched the final inning and struck out two of the three batters she faced.
The two victories raised Luther's win streak to three in a row and increased its overall record to 16-2. Grinnell is now 3-11.
The Norse will return to action on Saturday, April 4 when they will host the University of Dubuque. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
