Cornell’s softball team took its winning ways to the road Saturday, claiming a 4-1, 2-0 sweep over Beloit in the Midwest Conference opening series.
The Rams extended their winning streak to six games behind strong pitching outings from first-year Lexi Ellermeier and junior Hannah Rhoades.
Ellermeier went the distance in Game 1, scattering just three hits over seven innings for her fourth complete game of the season. She struck out three and walked one.
Lilly Dierkes’ RBI fielder’s choice put the Rams ahead 2-1 in the top of the fifth. Cornell added two more runs in the sixth, including a bunt from Addie Bowman that brought home Mary Puffett.
The Rams were held to three hits in the opener, although capitalized on five errors by Beloit.
Rhoades continued her success in the pitching circle, tossing a five-hit shutout in Game 2. The right-hander struck out seven and did not issue a walk. It was her second complete-game shutout in three days.
Earlier in the week, the Rams had a 11-4, 7-0 sweep over Eureka.
The Rams provided all the support Rhoades needed in a four-run first inning, triggered by Peyton Souhrada’s two-run double. Souhrada doubled home another run later in the game and finished with three RBIs for Cornell, which led 6-0 after two innings.
Monet Roelle went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Caitlin Babcock also had two hits and scored twice. First-year Katie DelCorso was 1-for-3 with three runs.
In the opener, the Rams broke a 4-4 tie with a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the fifth. Bowman connected for a two-run double and Miranda Keith singled home two runs in the decisive frame.
Keith led Cornell’s 11-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Souhrada and Elise Oleson tallied two hits apiece.
First-year Hannah Edwards picked up the pitching win in relief to stay undefeated on the season. She retired seven of the final eight batters she faced. Ellermeier gave the Rams four solid innings, yielding one run and four hits.
Rams extend win streak to six
April 11, 2024