The Alma Scots Softball team went into this afternoon's doubleheader one game back of host Adrian College, but when the games were done, Alma was the team with the advantage. The Scots swept a doubleheader by scores of 8-2 and 11-5 and improved to 8-2 in the MIAA and 21-7 overall, while the Bulldogs fell to 7-3 in the league and 21-7 in 2010.
In game one, Alma scored a run in the top of the first and took the 1-0 lead into the top of the fifth. The Scots were able to get three runs on three hits in the inning and were helped by two Adrian errors. The big hits in the frame were by Jr. CF Kelly Koenigsknecht (Fowler, MI/Fowler) and Sr. LF Kelsey Rightenburg (Lexington, MI/Croswell-Lexington).
After Adrian scored two runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth, the score was 4-2 heading into the deciding seventh inning. Alma responded by notching four runs on five hits to take a commanding, and ultimately final 8-2 advantage. Sr. RF Sarah Johnson (Portland, MI/Portland) had a 2 RBI single in the inning, and So. C Becca DeWyse (Bay City, MI/Bay City All Saints) connected on a two-run single up the middle to account for the runs.
Jr. P Tara Leddy (Saginaw, MI/Swan Valley) went the distance for the win, giving up six hits, with one walk and six strikeouts, as she improved to 8-4 on the season. The Scots had 12 hits in the game, led by Koenigsknecht's three, while Alma had three other players record two in the win.
In the nightcap, Alma jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the bottom half of the second inning and added a run in the fourth. The Bulldogs fought back with five runs of their own in the top of the fifth inning, but the Scots recorded two scores in the sixth, on their way to the 11-5 victory.
Fr. P Louise Rezmer (Essexville, MI/Bay City All Saints) went 4.2 innings for the Scots, giving up six hits and no earned runs as she notched the win. Jr. P Brittany Grys (Portland, MI/Portland) pitched the last 2.1 of the game, striking out one and giving up just one hit.
So. 1B Emily Ross (Buchanan, MI/Buchanan) led the Scots by going three for four and scoring two runs in the win. Sr. SS Houston Verbeck (Burton, MI/Flint Kearsley) went two for four with two RBI's, while Jr. 3B Erika Brower (Allegan, MI/Allegan) was good on two of three at bats, including two RBI's.
With Finals week ahead for the Scots, the next games scheduled are on Friday, April 23, against Anderson University at Scots Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
