Coyotes dominant from opening frame in series opener against North Dakota
GRAND FORKS, N. D. (USD) — For the first time since February, the South Dakota softball team posted a run-rule victory with 12 runs on 12 hits and five extra base hits in five innings in the series opener with North Dakota Saturday afternoon from Albrecht Field.
The Yotes scored a run in each frame, while getting the leadoff hitter on in the first four innings of today’s opener. PITCHING DECISIONS Win: Madison Evans (7-13) Loss: Unity Nelson (9-7) Nine Coyotes recorded a hit in the dominant victory as Allie Cromer tallied her first home run as a Coyote with the Yotes winning the first game of the series for the first time in Summit League play. Wasting no time, the Coyotes scored five first inning runs to take complete control of the contest from the outset.
On the day, nine Coyotes recorded a hit with six different Coyotes driving in two runs in a complete offensive performance. The first inning barrage was highlighted by a Sara Iburg laced double into the left centerfield gap to give the Yotes the early 2-0 advantage. After that, a walk, hit-by-pitch, and infield single extended the lead up to 5-0.
A walk and another UND error leaded the bases when Abi Brown worked a full count work, after finding herself down the count 1-2, to drive in the third run. A hit-by-pitch and infield single from Autumn Iversen would make it 5-0 after the top half of the first. North Dakota would put a run up in the bottom half of the frame, then loading the bases with two away.
Starting pitcher Madison Evans would work out of the jam, getting a full count fly out to keep it a four-run Yote lead after one inning of play. It would prove to be the only offensive production for the Hawks all day long. Brooke Carey stayed hot to start the second inning for USD.