Photo by Natalia Ahrens
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College softball team got its offense going on Saturday, sweeping the University of St. Mary Spires on Senior Day.
The Spires opened the series, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning of game one. The Bulldogs responded with two runs in their half of the first then three more in the bottom of the second. The Spires got one run back in the third, but the Bulldogs scored a run in their next two at bats to lead 7-2 heading into the fifth. The Spires scored a pair of runs in the top of the fifth to get to within three of the Bulldogs. In the bottom of the fifth, the Bulldogs added an insurance run to take an 8-4 lead, and that's where the score would stay.
The win went to Raegan Kleppe, who got the start in the circle for the Bulldogs. She went six innings, allowing four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts and just one walk. Senior Shelby Bonn came out of the bullpen and pitched the seventh inning. She set the Spires down in order on just four pitches to close out the game.
Offensively, the Bulldogs scored their eight runs on 11 hits with six of the 11 going for extra bases. Three Bulldogs recorded multiple hits, led by senior Kylecia Taylor who was perfect from the dish, going 3 for 3 with two triples, two runs scored, and two more runs driven in. Senior Destiny Bacon, and Brandy Trengove also had a multi-hit game for the Bulldogs. Trengove went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI, and Bacon finished the game going 2 for 4 with an RBI and two runs scored.
The Bulldog offense kept rolling in game two, scoring 13 runs on 12 hits and ending the game in five innings via the run rule. The Spires again scored the games' first run in the top of the first inning. The Bulldogs responded with a four spot in their half of the first, all of them coming after an error by the Spires with two outs, extended the inning. The Spires cut the Bulldog lead in half with on a solo homerun in the top of the third, but that would be their final run of the game.
The Bulldogs put up two runs in the next half inning, then blew the game open with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth. The MC defense did its job in the top of the fifth inning, keeping the Spires off the board and securing the win.
The Bulldogs pounded out 12 more hits in game two led by two perfect performances from a pair of seniors. Maile Deusch, who came into the day third in the nation in batting average, went 2 for 2 with a pair of singles, a pair of walks, two runs scored, and two RBI. Also perfect from the plate was Kai Redus, who had two singles, a double and drove in four runs.
Brittany Baroni got the start in the circle for the Bulldogs and picked up the win. She went three and a third, allowing two runs on six hits. Katy Wilson came out of the pen in the fourth and worked the next inning and a third, shutting out the Spires on one hit.
"I am super proud of this team today," said Bulldog skipper Tony Segovia. "Two great wins and on Senior day it's very special. These Seniors have put a lot of time and effort into this program and it's nice to send them off with two wins at home. We will continue to work hard and get ready for Wednesday. Thank you to all the seniors and their families for all they have done for this program. They will be missed!"
After the game, the Bulldogs honored nine seniors who will graduate and move on from the program at the end of the season. Maile Deutsch, Destiny Bacon, Shelby Bonn, Katy Wilson, Kylecia Taylor, Kai Redus, Taylor Perez, Jenna Christensen, and Brittany Baroni have left an indelible mark on the Bulldog softball program, and will certainly be missed.
Next up for the Bulldogs is a doubleheader on Wednesday at home against the York College Panthers. First pitch at Bulldog Park is slated for 2:00 pm.
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