The Wayne State softball team only scored in two innings during Tuesday's home doubleheader with Sioux Falls, but they scored all they would need as they posted identical 9-1 wins over the Cougars at the Chapman Complex.
In the first game, the Wildcats got their nine runs in the third inning, using thre home runs to blow the game open. Katelyn Wobken started the big inning with a two-run homer, Emily Chandler added a solo shot and Sam O'Brien put up a three-run blast to end the home run derby. Wobken added an RBI double and Chandler put up an RBI single to cap the big inning.
Cassy Miller fired the complete-game win in the circle for Wayne State, allowing three hits and one run while striking out six.
In the nightcap, the big inning came in the fourth as Wayne State had eight hits in the inning. Chandler hit a solo home run to start the surge, Melanie Alyea had a two-run double and Morgan Hoeg had an RBI double to highlight the big inning.
Miller once again got the win, pitching four innings and allowing three hits while striking out three. Shelby Wobken pitched one inning of relief as both games ended after five innings on the eight-run mercy rule.
With the wins, the Wildcats improve to 21-18 overall and 16-4 in the NSIC, moving to within one-half game of conference leader Augustana. The Wildcats will play a non-conference doubleheader at Washburn Thursday at 2 p.m. in Washburn, Kan., before heading up to Minnesota this weekend for doubleheaders at Minnesota Duluth on Saturday and St. Cloud State on Sunday.
