OLIVET, Mich. – The Trine University softball team dismantled their hosts from The University of Olivet for another Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) sweep, both games ending after five innings with the run-rule.
The Thunder wasted no time getting the offense going, scoring eleven runs in the top of the first inning of the day. Tyra Marcum recorded a three-run homerun to bring in the first runs with Macy Rocha following up a few batters later with an RBI double. Emma Lee had a three-run homer of her own in her second at-bat of the inning and April Sellers brought in the last run of the inning after being hit by a pitch with bases loaded.
The team would add a run in both the second and third innings and then three more in the fourth to build a commanding 16-0 lead. Marcum led the way with five RBIs with Lee coming in second with three and Angelena Perry finishing with a pair. Debbie Hill, Lauren Gannon and Scarlett Elliott joined Rocha and Sellers in each recording one RBI.
Alexis Michon started the game in the circle and pitched three perfect innings before sitting down for the rest of the game. She struck out eight of the nine batters she faced. Alex Rodriguez finished the game and added three strikeouts to the team total. She ultimately allowed one run on one hit and a walk in her two innings of work. The score would go final at 16-1 after the fifth inning.
Lauren Clausen made the start in the second game of the day, with the Thunder playing defense to start. She pitched a gem of a game for the team, allowing just one hit while striking out 13. She would end the day with her eighth win of the season.
Trine scored three runs in the first inning, one coming on Lee's second homer of the day followed by RBI singles from Hill and Emma Beyer. Elliott and Emersyn Haney each brought in a run in the second inning to build the lead to 5-0.
The team put up five runs in the third inning to build their final 10-0 lead. Ainsley Phillips got her first RBI of the day in the inning while Lee, Haney and Hill each added their second. The last of the runs came in when Marcum reached on error.
Trine improves to 32-3 overall and 10-2 in MIAA play following the pair of lopsided wins. Following the day's games, the team sits at second in the MIAA standings with Hope College holding the top spot at 11-1. The Thunder will look to retake the top spot on Saturday, April 27 when they travel to face the Flying Dutch. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.