ALMA, Mich. – The Trine University softball team secured a pair of run-rule victories over their hosts from Alma College to remain undefeated in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play. They won both games 8-0 in five innings.
The Thunder utilized extra base hits to win the first game of the day. Macy Rocha came up with a solo home run to put the team on the board when leading off in the second inning. Three of the next four batters reached safely, loading the bases for Karley Trine who came through with a triple that cleared the bases. Tyra Marcum came up with a homer of her own to end the big inning by giving the team a 6-0 lead.
The first three hitters of the third inning also reached base, all on singles. This time Keelin Wheaton came up with the clutch hit, a single through the middle of the infield that brought in two more runs to put the Scots in danger of a run-rule at 8-0.
It was more than enough to secure the victory with Alexis Michon at the stripe. The senior took a no-hitter into the bottom of the fourth and ultimately finished the game with allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six.
The Thunder built and even earlier lead in the second game, plating four runs in the first inning. Rocha brought in the first with an RBI walk, before Emma Lee came up with single that scored two more. Wheaton finished off the score with a sacrifice fly to left field.
The long ball returned in the third inning. Ainsley Phillips brought in two runs with a homer before Jo Trine followed up with a solo shot that made the score 7-0.
Debbie Hill pitched for the Thunder and followed nearly the same script as Michon. Hill allowed just two hits, one in the first and one in the fourth, while striking out five batters on the way to the shutout victory.
Whitney Duell walked off the contest in the bottom of the fifth with a double to left center.
Trine improves to 26-4 overall and 10-0 in MIAA competition. They will return home for another MIAA doubleheader on Tuesday, April 22 when they host The University of Olivet. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.
