MANKATO, Minn. – The University of Jamestown softball team opened Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play on Friday, dropping two closely contested games to Minnesota State University, Mankato at the Maverick Sports Dome. Despite strong defensive efforts and a late-inning rally in the nightcap, the Jimmies moved to 19-6 overall and 0-2 in conference play.
Game 1: Mankato State 3, Jamestown 0
The University of Jamestown softball team opened Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play on Friday afternoon, falling 3-0 to Minnesota State University, Mankato at the Maverick Sports Dome. Despite out-hitting the Mavericks in several frames, the Jimmies were unable to crack the scoreboard against a clinical pitching performance from MSU's Maddie Oetzmann.
Minnesota State took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, capitalizing on a Jimmie defensive error to score an unearned run. The Mavericks added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings via solo home runs from Maddie Helin and Nyah Hulbert, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Jamestown's best scoring opportunity came in the fourth inning when Madelyn Webb singled and Natalie Draper was hit by a pitch to load the bases with two outs, but a strikeout ended the threat. The Jimmies also saw a potential spark in the fifth when Sonya Rodgers tripled to right field, but she was tagged out at home trying to stretch the play.
Hope Ransome took the loss in the circle, allowing two runs (one earned) over 4.0 innings of work.
Game 2: Mankato State 4, Jamestown 3
Minnesota State took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning, scoring two runs on two hits. The Mavericks extended their advantage to 3-0 in the fourth inning after Carly Kimmes delivered an RBI single.
The Jimmie offense came alive in the top of the fifth inning to tie the game.Peyton Quam followed by Trinity Gregg ignited the rally with a single and eventually scored when Maddie Spaeth drew a bases-loaded walk. Sydney Grendler then provided the game's biggest hit for UJ, a two-RBI single to center field that drove in Kasydi Bennett and Trinity Gregg to knot the score at 3-3.
The deadlock remained until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Mavericks regained the lead for good. After a leadoff single by Maddie Helin, she advanced to third on a groundout and a single before scoring on a wild pitch to make it 4-3. Jamestown looked to mount a final charge in the seventh as Quam reached on a walk, but MSU reliever Sophia Kallas retired the next two batters to end the threat and a groundout from Sydeny Grendler was all.
Hope Ransome took the loss in relief, pitching 2.0 innings and allowing one run on three hits. Aubrey Quern started the contest, striking out three over 3.1 innings. Grendler led the Jimmie attack with two RBIs, while Gregg reached base twice and scored a run.
Up Next:
The Jimmies (19-5) will look to bounce back tomorrow, Saturday, March 21, with a doubleheader against Winona State University. The games are scheduled for 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at the Maverick Sports Dome in Mankato, Minn.
