One day after being frustrated by her team’s lack of offense, Kira Zeiter watched her squad rack up 36 hits in two games Sunday.
The Fort Lewis College Skyhawks swept a doubleheader against Colorado School of Mines in Golden. FLC (19-15, 15-9 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) finished the weekend series 3-1 against the Orediggers (10-19, 6-14 RMAC) by winning 13-8 and 8-2 on Sunday.
The 36 hits came one day after the Skyhawks were two-hit in a loss to the Orediggers.
“As a team, we discussed our approach at the plate,” Skyhawks head coach Zeiter said. “Both of the Mines pitchers have a different approach. One pitcher we had to sit back and wait for the ball to get to the zone. The other mixed inside and outside pitches well. We talked about turning on the inside pitch and not getting jammed, and we did that (Sunday).”
FLC trailed 6-3 after one inning in the first game before mounting a comeback. The Skyhawks scored five runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth to take the lead. All five runs batted in during the fourth inning came off singles, and three errors by the Orediggers also helped.
Destinee DeHerrera had two doubles in the game, including a three-run double in the fifth. Chelsea Rodriguez also had two doubles during a 4-for-5 game at the plate in which she scored twice and had one RBI.
Myndee Thompson started the game off with a bang for FLC with a three-run home run, her seventh homer of the season.
Designated player Kamali’i Peneku had two RBIs in the game.
“It feels very good when the bats are going like that because they are able to put up some runs and feel confident the whole game,” Zeiter said.
Victoria Johnson started the game in the circle for FLC. She faced six batters and recorded only one out before being relieved by Katie Watkins. Johnson gave up five runs – three earned – on three hits and one walk. Watkins (3-1) earned the win after allowing nine hits and no earned runs.
“We had a few errors in the first inning. I don’t think it was anything (Johnson) was doing wrong that led to the runs. Sometimes, as a coach, you just make a change to give the other team a different look,” Zeiter said. “Watkins did a great job. She never gets frustrated and is calm, cool and collected in the circle.”
The Skyhawks dominated Game 2 behind the pitching of Kiley Raica (7-7), who picked up the win. She pitched a complete game, giving up two runs on nine hits while striking out three.
“We got some early runs and a nice cushion, and (Raica) was able to relax and do what we know she can do,” Zeiter said. “Everything clicked on all cylinders.”
Shortstop Adriana Rosthenhausler went 3-for-4 in the second game, giving her a 6-for-9 day at the plate. Hayley Bolyard and Peneku also went 3-for-4, and Missy Fundora was 2-for-5.
FLC scored three runs in the first when Rosthenhausler scored on Rodriguez’s third double of the day. DeHerrera then singled in Rodriguez, and a Peneku double scored Thompson.
FLC led 4-0 after a Rosthenhausler single scored Fundora in the top of the second. The Skyhawks tacked on three more runs in the third inning when DeHerrera scored on a Peneku single before Bolyard dropped down a bunt to squeeze home DeHerrera. FLC scored two runs on bunts in the game.
“When we can play small ball with stealing and bunting, it keeps other teams off balance and makes our bats that much more lethal,” Zeiter said.
Tehenia Telliano had a two-run single later in the game to help solidify the win for FLC.
The Skyhawks are off until noon Saturday when they host Colorado Mesa (15-13, 13-8) starting at 12 p.m. April 5 in an important series in the RMAC standings.
FLC will try to add to its 6-2 home record after improving its road record to 8-7. FLC has 16 RMAC games remaining on the schedule.
“The rest of the schedule is full of a lot of teams very close in the hunt,” Zeiter said. “Every weekend is important from here on out, starting with this upcoming weekend with Mesa. They have always been really good competition in the conference tournament and regular season, and I am sure we will see that again.”
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