Alma, Mi.- The Scots (8-5, 2-0) couldn't have imagined a better start to their 2008 conference schedule as they hit six home runs and played solid defense behind great pitching on their way to 9-1 and 8-0 five inning mercies over the Albion College Britons (8-4, 0-2) in their home opener series.
In the first game, the Scots got on the board in the second inning behind a monster jack over the left field fence by Sarah Johnson (Portland) to make the score 1-0. After Albion tied it up in the top of the third, the Scots came back with a four run inning in the bottom half as Missy Morcom (Chelsea) walked and eventually scored on a single off the bat of Houston Verbeck (Flint/Kearsley)and with runners on first and third, Johnson stepped to the plate and belted a rocket over the left field fence, giving her two round trippers in the game, and extending the lead to four with one swing of the bat.
After a scoreless fourth, the Maroon and Cream went back on the offensive in the bottom of the fifth piling up four more runs behind a homer by Brittany Fales (Midland/Dow) and doubles by Johnson and Taylor Erwin (Fenton).
Overshadowed by the offensive fireworks, Katie Koechling (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) pitched a gem, scattering four hits over five innings while striking out six on her way to improving her record to 3-1 on the season.
Johnson finished 3-3 with four RBI's and three runs scored on her career day.
In second half of the double header, it was more of the same from the Scots as they were able to shut out the Brits defensively and hang enough runs on the board to get the five inning win.
Getting the win on the rubber was freshman Tara Leddy (Saginaw/Swan Valley) who finished one out shy of a no hitter, facing only 18 hitters in the five inning shutout. With the victory, she improves to 4-3 on the season.
Leading the way at the plate for the Scots was Kasey Miller (Grand Ledge) who took a page out of Johnson's book and went three for three with two homeruns and a double, while driving in four and scoring two of her own. Miller also made an outstanding diving catch in Catcher Sarah Seals (Alma) decided to get involved in the homerun derby with a shot of her own over left center. Verbeck added two hits and a run scored and Cassie Schwab (Midland) went one for two with a pair of runs scored.
The Scots head back on the road this weekend as they will travel to Denison, Ohio to play in the Denison Tournament. Check back for results and updates.
