Nationally Ranked Titans Sweep Pioneers
OSHKOSH, Wis.—Sophie Wery hit two three-run home runs as the No. 16 UW-Oshkosh Titans softball squad swept the Carroll University Pioneers (12-18) and improved to 27-1 on the season. Wery's home runs mark her fifth and sixth of the season.
The Titans won the first game 9-1, after scoring six runs in the fifth inning. The Pioneers would take a late 5-4 before the Titans scored five unanswered runs to win the second game 9-5. With the wins, the Titans improve their winning streak to 10.
The Titans moved up two spots in the latest NFCA poll.
Several Titans are making moves in the record book, including Hannah Ritter, Wery, Abby Garceau, Morgan Rau, Gabby Buikema, Maddie Fink, Sydney Nemetz, and Brianna Davis.
Game One Recap
Garceau (one-for-four, RBI) lined out to the pitcher to start the Titans at bat in the bottom of the first inning. A pair of singles to center field from Ritter (two-of-three, run) and Rau (one-for-two, run) put two runners on base for the Titans. Center field was the Titans spot in the first inning as Wery (two-for-two, 3RBI, run) hit her then-fifth home run, bring home Rau and Ritter.
The Titans held a 3-0 lead until the third inning where Carroll's Abby Curtis scored to bring the Pioneers within two.
The Titans bats were hot in the fifth inning, scoring six runs on seven hits. Buikema (one-for-two, 2 RBI, run) hit a triple to right field as Caitlin Williams and Lizzie Slobodecki scored for the Titans. Davis (one-for-two, run) singled to second base before stealing second base. Haylie Wittman (two-for-three, RBI, run) hit a single bunt as Buikema scored for the Titans. Sydney Rau (two-of-three, 2 RBI, run) singled to center field as Wittman and Davis crossed home plate for the Titans. Garceau hit a walk-off single as Sydney Rau scored the ninth and final run of the game for the Titans. The Titans had three stolen bases in the fifth inning.
In the circle for the Titans, Maddie Fink (12-1) collected her 12th win of the season, issued three walks, allowed two hits, and one run.
Game Two Recap
Buikema (one-for-four, 2 RBI) doubled to left field, her fourth double of the season, and brought home Ritter and Garceau.
Sydney Nemetz allowed just five hits and one run in the first four innings of the second game. The Pioneers hit a home run in the fourth, trimming the Titans lead to one.
Wittman reached base on a fielder's choice before Davis (two-for-three, 2 RBI, two runs) hit her second home run of the season.
The Pioneers scored four runs on three hits in the fifth inning, taking a 5-4 lead over the Titans.
Garceau (two-for-four, RBI, three runs) singled to center field to reach first base. Morgan Rau (one-for-four, RBI) singled down the left-field line as Garceau tied the game at five.
Davis doubled to center field before advancing to third on a sac bunt from Ana Iliopoulos. Garceau reached on a fielder's choice as Davis scored for the Titans. Wery hit her second three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, bringing home Ritter and Garceau.
In the circle for the Titans, Nemetz went four innings, allowed eight hits, and struck out one. Abby Freismuth collected her third win of the season, allowed two hits, struck out two, and issued one walk.
Next Time on the Field
The Titans are set to face Marian University in Fond du Lac on April 19 for a non-conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
Photo Credit: Steve Frommell