Nationally Ranked Titans Sweep Falcons
RIVER FALLS, Wis.—Starting their weekend road trip off with a sweep, the No. 19 UW-Oshkosh Titans (29-3, 6-2 WIAC) softball squad defeated the UW-River Falls Falcons (14-18, 2-8 WIAC) in a doubleheader. The Titans won the first game 10-0 before winning the second game 5-1.
This was the fourth sweep of the Falcons by the Titans since the 2017 season.
The Titans recorded their 11th shutout of the season. The Titans have recorded 11 or more shutouts since the 2001 season three other times: 12-2008; 13-2006; 16-2007).
The Titans' three home runs in the first game join a tie in the record book. The most recent three home run game was in 2019 against UW-Eau Claire (4/26/2019).
The Titans fell three spots, landing at No. 19 in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll. The Titans have remained in the poll since the third poll release this season.
Game One Recap
Gabby Buikema scored the opening run of the game for the Titans in the second inning. Brianna Davis scored the Titans second run of the day as Zoe Malone singled to third base in the second inning.
Hannah Ritter scored on Buikema's sac bunt in the third inning before the Titans had a big fifth inning.
Ritter doubled to left field to reach base for the Titans before scoring on Morgan Rau's single to left field. Sophie Wery hit a two-run home run to bring home Rau. Davis homered to left field, bringing home Buikema. Left field was kind to the Titans as Haylie Wittman's first home run of the season headed that direction.
Wery's home run was her eighth of the season while Davis hit her third home run this season.
In the pitcher's circle, Maddie Fink (13-2) allowed only one hit and struck out five batters in the win. Fink has recorded 13 complete games this season.
Ritter (four), Wery (two), and Malone (two) recorded multi-hit games for the Titans. Ritter's four hits put her in a tie for fourth in the Titans' record book for most hits in a single game.
The Titans have won in five innings this season seven times with five shutouts.
Game Two Recap
Sydney Nemetz (13-1) was in the pitcher's circle for the Titans, striking out 10 batters and issuing one walk. Nemetz's 10 strikeouts nearly matched her career-best of 11 strikeouts.
Four Titans stole bases in the game, including two by Davis. Ritter and Davis recorded mutli-hit games as Buikema had two RBIs.
Ritter scored the opening run of the second game for the Titans, crossing home plate on Rau's double to center field.
The Titans were held to one run until the fourth inning when Davis scored on Wittman's single through the left side.
Rau reached on a fielder's choice in the fifth inning before scoring on Wery's double to center field. Wery scored the fourth run of the game for the Titans on Buikema's single.
The Falcons scored in the bottom of the sixth inning for the first run of the day.
Caitlin Williams scored the final run of the game for the Titans as Buikema reached on an error.
Looking Ahead
Continuing their trip to the western side of the state, the Titans face the Blue Devils of UW-Stout (8-23, 2-8 WIAC) on April 30. The Titans and Blue Devils are set for first pitch at 12 p.m. at the Alumni Field in Menomonie, Wisconsin.