Luther splits with loras - remains in fourth place in league standings
April 18, 2009
Nationally ranked #4 Luther wrapped up a busy week splitting with Loras College this afternoon in Dubuque. The Norse posted a 6-5 decision in game one but were defeated 8-6 in the nightcap. The split gives Luther an Iowa Conference mark of 8-4, 27-5 overall. Loras moved to 3-7 in the IIAC, 12-12 overall.
Tiffany Kruse hit a lead-off home run and what proved to be the game winner in the top of the seventh in game one. Kruse's home run was her seventh of the year. The Norse jumped out to a 5-0 lead after scoring two in the second and three in the third. Loras pulled to within one run scoring four times in the third and tied the game with a run in the fourth.
Lauran Snyder, who was 2-for-3, drove in two runs with a single in the third. Abby Christian, Jackie Miller and Kayla Denner were all credited with one rbi.
Ashlie Patten (2-0) picked up the win in relief. Patten pitched the final three innings, allowed two hits, walked one and struck out one.
Luther's 6-4 lead disappeared in the bottom of the fifth when Loras scored four runs on four hits en route to the victory. The Norse tallied two runs in the second frame when Snyder and Christian hit back-to-back home runs. Christian also hit a two-run home run in the fifth raising her season total to five and completing the game with three rbi.
The Norse will travel to Buena Vista University on Tuesday, Apr. 21 for final road trip of the regular season schedule. This IIAC double header will begin at 3:00 p.m.
