ANDERSON, IND. – The Trine University softball team swept host Anderson (Ind.) University behind the strength of their offense that tallied 36 runs between the two games.
Despite the offensive explosion that would define the day, the Thunder began the day by falling behind, trailing the Ravens by 5-2 after the first inning. Anderson would build up the lead to as much as four, which came with a 10-6 lead following the fourth inning.
In the top of the fifth Trine's bats got hot, scoring seven in the top half of the inning and taking their second lead of the game 13-10. Junior Kate Saupe (Farwell, Mich. / Farwell), who entered the game in relief in the third inning, did enough at the stripe to keep the Thunder in the lead and she picked up her fourth win of the season as Trine finished the game up 17-12.
The Thunder utilized the long ball for their offensive production in the contest, finishing with seven homeruns which ties the school record for a single game. The program has reached that number only twice before in the time that Trine has been a member of the NCAA, both times coming in April of 2013.
Senior Kaylee Fox (Vermilion, Ohio / Edison) and sophomore Michaela Hartline (Niles, Mich. / Brandywine) led the way recording to four-baggers apiece. Sophomores Makenna Hartline (Niles, Mich. / Brandywine) and Claire Ryan (Union Grove, Wis. / Union Grove) along with freshman Kennedy Baugh (Walton, Ky. / Notre Dame Academy) each recorded one as well. The Hartlines lead the way each finishing the game with four RBIs apiece, while Fox and Ryan came in second on the team with three.
The bats stayed hot for Trine during the intermission between the two halves of the doubleheader, as the Thunder would score 11 runs in the top of the first inning. They would add two in the third and six in the fourth and came away with the 19-0 win after five innings. Sophomore Hannah Kampmann (St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin Derham Hall) recovered from her struggles in the first game and pitched a gem in the second allowing just three hits, picking up her sixth win of the season.
Fox led the way offensively for the Thunder adding two more homeruns and six RBIs. The Hartline sisters finished right behind each adding a homerun and five RBIs.
Following the pair of victories the Thunder improve to 15-3 on the season. They will take the diamond again tomorrow, March 24, in their home opener. Trine will host University of Wisconsin Platteville for a doubleheader with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.