Posted: Mar 29, 2024 - LINKA

ANGOLA, Ind. – The defending national champion Trine University softball team picked up yet another sweep with two lopsided victories over visiting Hiram College. Karley Trine led the way for the team's offense bringing in six runs during the two games.

The day opened with Debbie Hill in the circle, making the start in the opening game. In her first two innings of work, the sophomore allowed one hit, but struck out three and kept the Terriers from reaching home.

Hill led off the bottom of the second with a hit, on a line drive right back at the pitcher, before being relieved at first by Emily Wheaton. The speedster stole second and then reached third on a sacrifice hit by Tyra Marcum and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Talisa Chafey.

After a quick top of the third, the Thunder added to their lead in their next at bats. Karley Trine opened the scoring with double that brought home a pair of runners, before scampering home on a single by Macy Rocha.

The runs forced a pitching change by Hiram with Trinity Meza taking over. Meza caused fits for the Thunder bats for the next two innings, holding them at four runs until the sixth inning. The Terriers on the other hand started to get to Hill. They scored one run in the fourth and then two more in the sixth to cut the score to 4-3.

Trine figured out the new pitcher in the bottom of the sixth, scoring six runs as they batted through the lineup. Trine started the scoring with a single for her third RBI of the game, with Rocha once again following up with an RBI of her own. Hill and Marcum each added RBIs before Emma Beyer brought in the final two runs later in the inning.

Hill finished the complete game, with her eighth strikeout of the contest. She secured the win while allowing three runs on two walks and four hits.

The Thunder offense picked up where they left off in the second game, scoring five runs in the first inning aided by some erratic pitching from Hiram. Despite recording two quick outs, the starting pitcher allowed the next five batters to reach base, including three on walks. The final straw came when the third rune of the inning scored on a wild pitch, forcing a pitching change.

Marcum brought in the first run of the inning with a double to left field, while Beyer walked home another with bases loaded. Marcum then scored on the wild pitch. The next pitcher quickly gave up a hit to Ashleigh Tranter that brought in the final two runs of the inning.

Neither team scored in the second, but the Thunder added four in the third inning to build their lead to 9-0. Chafey brought in the first run of the frame when she was hit by pitch with bases loaded. Trine then emptied the bases with a double to left center, recording her final three RBIs of the day.

Alexis Michon pitched all five innings of the game, securing the shutout, run-rule victory for the team. She allowed just two hits in the contest with eight strikeouts.

The Thunder improve to 22-1 overall following the pair of victories. They will enter Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) competition when they next take the diamond. They are set to travel to Kalamazoo College on Saturday, April 6 for their next doubleheader. The opening game is set to start at 1 p.m.

Article and Images Provided by Trine University Athletics

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