BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington relied on four home runs and dominate pitching to power past Saint Martin's, 6-1 and 8-0, in a GNAC doubleheader on Sunday.
Game One
The Vikings (12-6, 5-3) jumped out to an early three run lead after a three-run home run by clean-up hitter Emily Benson cleared the bases in the first inning.
The Saints (9-5, 5-3) converted their only run of the game in the third inning on a sacrifice fly by
Lindsay Miller scored
Alyssa Slate who led-off the inning with a triple.
WWU extended their lead to 5-1 the next half inning after a two-run home run from Paityn Cyr to straight away center field.
Benson connected on her second slam of the day, this time a solo shot to center to seal the 6-1 opening game victory. The Saints' bats were silenced by Anna Kasner (6-2) who retired 12 of the final 13 batters she faced.
Kim Nelson (5-2) picked up her first loss in six weeks after pitching five innings, and gave up five runs on four hits, walked one and struck out one.
Game Two
For the second game in a row, WWU relied on a three-run home run to get the early advantage in the third inning.
Western Washington loaded the bases in the fifth inning before two walks brought home two more runs to extend the lead to 5-0.
The Vikings earned the sweep with a three-run sixth inning highlighted by a two RBI double to left center.
Lindsay Miller (1-1) received the start for the Saints, going two plus innings, giving up three runs on three hits, walking five and struck out two.
Lauren Maley came in for the next 2.1 innings allowing two runs on five hits and two strike outs before
Jessica O'Toole relieved the final four outs.
"Very tough day all-around. Western Washington did a great job and beat us in all phases of the game" said head coach
Rick Noren. "We hope to get some games in this week and get the ship straightened out again".
Up Next: The Saints travel to California for doubleheaders against Holy Names University and Notre Dame De Namur on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.
