TU Offense on Fire in Tucson Sun

March 23, 2009

For the Taylor Softball team, the Tucson sun seems to be an important ingredient to the team's offensive success. The TU offense pounded out 19 runs in two games, winning both in run-rule shortened contests.

The Trojans first faced off against St. Olaf College (1-6) and took care of the Oles by scoring 10 runs in only 5 innings. In the second game TU took care of business in 6 innings, defeating Buena Vista University (1-8), 9-1.

Against St. Olaf the offense was hitting on all cylinders, with 15 hits in 5 innings. The offense produced up and down the line up, as leadoff hitter Emily Kramer went 3-for-3, Lindsey Arnold and Lindsey Stone, both went 2-for-3 with a double and a RBI. Also adding to the offensive totals were Laura Strode with 2 hits, pitcher Jess Fankhauser recorded an RBI on one hit, and to round out the scorebook was Alyssa Brodbeck with 2 RBIs on 2 hits.

Behind the offense was a continuance of solid pitching and defense. Jess Fankhauser struck out 4, allowed six hits and two runs. Fankhauser gained the win, and she leads the team in wins with 4 on the year. The Taylor defense recorded a perfect game with no errors behind her.

In the second game of the day, freshman Kristen Bauer took the ball and pitched well, giving up 6 hits and only 1 run. Bauer recorded her first collegiate win with the complete game effort. Her record now stands at 1-1 on the year, after appearing in 6 games.

For the second time in two days the Taylor offense recorded a season best for hits in a game. After pounding out 17 hits on Saturday against Trinity Christian, TU totaled 18 hits against Buena Vista.

Leading the way was senior Laurie Shumaker, back in the lineup after an absence due to injury, going 3-for-5 against the Beavers to go along with an RBI. Bauer added to her solid pitching day with three hits as well, and Emily Kramer added two hits, bringing her total to 5 in the doubleheader.

The offensive explosion has been evident by the abundant extra base hits recorded in the last few games. Against Buena Vista it was no different, with four batters pounding the ball all over the diamond. Laura Strode's bat continues to be potent, as she recorded a double and a triple with 2 RBIs. Her freshman counterpart at the plate, Alyssa Brodbeck went 3-for-4 with a triple. Team hits leader Lindsey Arnold added a 2-run home run to the extra base tally. Liz Lewellen was a solid 3-for-4, adding a double and 2 RBIs.

Taylor (8-8) continues the Tucson Invitational on Tuesday, facing off against North Central College (3-3) at 1 p.m. and a rematch against St. Olaf takes place at 3 p.m.