Southwest Minnesota’s pitching quieted the Wayne State offense on Thursday and came away with a doubleheaders sweep at the Chapman Complex, beating the Wildcats 2-0 and 5-1.
The first game was a pitchers’ duel between Alex O’Connor of Southwest and Riley Vanderveen from Wayne State. The only runs of the game came on one swing of the bat, as the Mustangs hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning off of Riley Vanderveen.
The Wildcats’ lone scoring threat came in the sixth. Wayne State got two singles with one out, but O’Connor struck out Melanie Alyea and Jordyn Breitbarth to end the threat.
Rachel Shumaker was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles to lead a six-hit effort. Monique and Melanie Alyea, Alyssa Schropp and Sarah Hunter each added singles. Vanderveen took the loss despite giving up just two runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four.
In the nightcap, a four-run third inning helped the Mustangs take control of the game and finish off the sweep. They scored all five runs off starter Allison Niemeier.
Wayne State’s only run came in the sixth on an Abbie Hix RBI single to right, scoring Melanie Alyea.
Southwest outhit Wayne State 13-5 in the second game. Katelyn Wobken had a double and a single while Hix and the Alyea sisters each had hits.
Wayne State (11-37, 5-19 NSIC) will be at home Friday, hosting St. Cloud State in a doubleheader at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Chapman Complex.
