MADEIRA BEACH, FLA. – The Western Michigan softball team split its first pair of games at "The Spring Games" with a 7-2 loss to the University of Albany and a 7-0 win over Monmouth University. In game one
Riley Dittmar,
Cassidy Brendtke, and
Addison Hudson led the Broncos with one hit each. During game two the Broncos shutout the Hawks after a career high 13 strikeouts from senior pitcher
Rissa Bajusz.
Game One
In the first inning of game one, Riley Dittmar would open up play with a leadoff double to kick-start the Broncos offensively. Dittmar would then capitalize on a passed ball, which advanced her to third base with nobody out. After a one out walk by Haley Boxwell, Dittmar would score the first run of the afternoon off a hit from Megan Welsh.
After a one-two-three second inning from pitcher Kailey O'Connor, the Broncos would score their second run of the day after a bunt single by Hudson. During the play, Gabbie Evans would advance to second and third off of a throwing error. During the same error, Haleigh Smith advanced to third and was able to reach home to give the Brown and Gold a 2-0 lead in the bottom half of the second inning.
During the final three innings of play, the Broncos were limited to one hit – a fourth inning single from Brendtke. Albany would go on to tack on three runs in the top of the sixth inning and concluded game one with a run during the top of the seventh to take a 7-2 win over WMU.
Game Two
In the second game of action Friday, Bajusz led the Broncos defensively with 13 strikeouts, while offensively, Boxwell notched a game high-three hits. As a team, the Brown and Gold combined for 11 hits.
After a scoreless first inning, the Broncos scored three runs in the second inning: Bajusz would lead off the second with a walk to put one on and nobody out early in the inning. Following Bajusz's walk,
Taylor Garey laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance Bajusz to second and the Brown and Gold were able to threaten with only one out. Following Garey's sacrifice Bunt, Smith singled up the middle for an RBI, driving in Bajusz. The Broncos would then compile consecutive hits after back to back singles from
Taylor Wolfe and Dittmar. During Dittmar's hit, Wolfe advanced from first base to third base on an error, while Smith scored from second base. The Broncos continued to pile on runs with a sacrifice fly from
Payton Kelly to left field, which in turn scored Wolfe and advanced Dittmar to third base to conclude the inning.
Later in the third inning, the Broncos remained hot offensively and scored three runs for the second consecutive frame. To lead off the inning, Boxwell singled down the left field line. Following Boxwell's hit, pinch runner
Elliott Sanders advanced from first base to second base on a wild pitch to make herself a scoring threat. With no outs
Riley Chumbley singled to left center and scored Sanders, who was previously at second base. After a pitching change, Chumbley advanced from first base to third base after a wild pitch and single by Bajusz. Eventually, Chumbley scored on a wild pitch, while Bajusz advanced to third base. The Broncos would score their final run of the inning after Garey singled to shallow right field to drive in Bajusz from third base.
During the top of the seventh inning, the softball team scored their seventh and final run of the game after Boxwell launched her first home run of the season.
Historical Notes
After her 13 strikeouts in game one, Bajusz raised her career total to 343. She is now 22 strikeouts away from passing Allyson Kus (2013-16) and claiming the seventh most strikeouts recorded in program history.
Up Next
The Brown and Gold will face Sacred Heart University Saturday at 11:00 AM and University of Southern Indiana at 1:30 PM. Games will be streamed on FloSports.
