Emily Schwaeble reacts as she rounds the bases after her walk-off two-run home run in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader sweep against Wisconsin-Parkside. It marked NKU's third walk-off victory this season.
Game 1 box score |
Game 2 box score
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University softball team got back to its winning ways on Saturday, claiming a doubleheader sweep over Great Lakes Valley Conference rival Wisconsin-Parkside. The Norse won Game 1 by a 2-1 final and walked off with a 2-0 decision in Game 2.
With the wins, NKU is now 25-15 overall and 15-11 in GLVC play.
Emily Schwaeble,
Natalie Papi and
Dana Jarboe each had two-hit games in Game 1 for the Norse, who got on the board in the second inning on Jarboe's double down the left field line to plate Papi, who singled to lead off the frame.
After the Rangers (5-35, 4-22 GLVC) tied the game back up in the top of the fourth inning, the Norse reclaimed the lead for good on a rare sacrifice infield fly by
Katelyn Roy. The Rangers defense allowed the infield fly to drop, which enticed Schwaeble to break for the plate from third base. The junior was able to slide in safely under a tag to score what proved to be the game-winning run.
Schwaeble got the win in the circle to improve to 17-5 on the year, striking out nine batters in the process.
Game 2 saw a pitchers' duel in which the Norse managed just one hit through six innings, a Jarboe single in the second inning. UW-Parkside was able to get base runners in every inning after the second, but was unable to push a run across the plate in the game.
It took extra innings to get the result, starting with a
Jessica Farris bunt single to lead off the bottom of the eighth inning.
Kaylin Steinmetz was unsuccessful in a sacrifice attempt, but it didn't matter as Schwaeble stepped up and sent a 1-1 pitch deep over the left field wall for her fifth homer of the season.
Alex Caudill (8-9) spun her second shutout of the season, scattering six hits while walking one and striking out seven batters.
NKU will continue its home stand next weekend, hosting Southern Indiana on Saturday, April 14. First pitch is scheduled for noon. The Norse swept their doubleheader at USI back on March 18, winning by scores of 4-1 and 8-3.
