ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Sophomore
Kayla Simacek made history Wednesday afternoon recording a program single-game record 15 strikeouts in the series opening win over Concordia, 4-0.
Oddly enough it breaks the previous mark of 14 Ks, which she matched earlier this season against Gustavus Adolphus, recorded by Charitey Rowden on April 6, 2007 against Concordia.
Despite giving up five runs in the opening frame in game two, Bethel made a fierce comeback scoring nine unanswered completing the sweep of the Cobbers.
Game 1: Bethel 4, Concordia 0
Simacek started out the historic game fanning the first six batters she faced.
With the bases loaded
Amanda Gemuenden hit a chopper to third where the Cobbers tried retiring
Allie Fauth at the plate, but Fauth snuck in around the tag. In the second,
Sadie Hanzalik cleared the outfield fence for the first time this season giving Bethel a 2-0 lead.
RBI singles in the third from Gemuenden and
Kayla Hokanson pushed the Royals advantage to four runs.
Simacek was in a groove retiring the first 14 faced before issuing a walk. It wasn't until the sixth that Concordia tallied its first hit of the game. No panic from Simacek who struck out the last five batters she faced bringing her single-game total to 15.
Game 2: Bethel 9, Concordia 5
A five-spot in the top of the first for Concordia didn't seem like too big of an obstacle for the Royals whose specialty this year has been run production.
The comeback began immediately with four straight singles including
Jamie Axelberg's two-run single making it 5-3. BU cut the deficit to one an inning later as
Lexi DeBace slapped one up the middle scoring
Carli Botten.
Allie Fauth's two-RBI triple of the left-center fence sparked a four run fourth that put Bethel ahead for good.
In the circle,
Elizabeth Dietz picked up the win tossing four innings of shutout work while giving up four hits and striking out three. Simacek tossed the final 2.2 innings allowing one hit and striking out two.
Up next
The Royals improved to 17-7 on the year and 10-4 in the MIAC where the currently sit fifth with eight remaining games. Bethel is back home Saturday against Hamline for a doubleheader at 1 p.m.
