CSR (Softball Drops Pair of Hard-Fought Decisions at Hope)

CALVIN SPORTS REPORT FOR APRIL 9, 2009

Softball Battles But Falls Twice At Hope

SOFTBALL
Hope 5, Calvin 3
Hope 4, Calvin 1 (8 innings)

HOLLAND -- The Calvin softball team dropped a pair of hard-fought contests at rival Hope on Thursday, falling 5-3 in game one and 4-1 in eight innings in game two. The Knights are now 2-17 overall and 0-6 in the MIAA.

In game one, Hope (12-16 overall, 5-5 MIAA) collected eight hits in the first two innings to build a 4-1 lead. The Flying Dutch scored two runs in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the second. Calvin scored first however, using a sacrifice fly by senior Loren Scarbrough (Antioch, IL) to plate junior catcher Whisper Miller (Reed City HS) who had led off the game with a single and later to moved to third on a one-out error.

After allowing four runs in the first two innings, senior pitcher Kristin Folkerts (Grand Rapids Christian HS) settled into a groove, allowing only one run and three hits over her final four innings of work. Hope did add an insurance run in the fourth on a bloop triple down the right field line by Kelli Duimstra that plated a runner from first base.

Calvin did score a second run in the third as Miller doubled and later scored on a Hope error with Scarbrough picking up an RBI on the play. The Knights then cut the gap to 5-3 in the sixth on a one-out solo home run to right center field by sophomore Jacqueline Kirkman (Salem, OH). The home run was the first of the spring for Kirkman and the third of her collegiate career. The Knights then loaded the bases in the sixth with two outs but could not bring another run home.

In the seventh, Calvin was retired in order as Hope pitcher Deidra Enochs picked up the pitching victory. Calvin picked up seven hits in the loss with Miller going 3-for-4 at the plate. Miller also threw out two Hope runners attempting to steal.

Folkerts took the loss, striking out one and walking two.

In game two, Folkerts was stellar as she pitched a shutout through seven innings. Folkerts was aided by several superb defensive plays including a handful made by senior third baseman Brittany Moriarity (Muskegon Mona Shores HS). Miller also threw out her third base runer of the game in the seventh inning with the Flying Dutch attempting to place a runner into scoring position.

Calvin had a golden opportunity to score in the second as it loaded the bases with no outs. The Calvin rally was extinguished however on a forceout at the plate, a strikeout and an inning-ending popout to shortstop.

Hope starter Michelle Marra was able to match Folkerts inning-by-inning as the game settled into a pitchers dual. With neither team scoring in the seventh, the contest was sent into extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Duimstra belted a two-run homer to give the Flying Dutch a 2-0 lead. The homerun was the eighth of the spring for Duimstra. Anne Henrichs then delivered a two-out, two-run RBI single to give Hope a 4-0 lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, Miller reached base on a fielder's choice and later scored on a Hope error. With runners at first and third, Calvin brought the tying run to the plate but closed the game with a fly-out to right field.

Folkerts (2-9) suffered the hard-luck loss, striking out four and walking one. Calvin had four hits with junior Mandy Johnson (Northpointe Christian HS) going 2-for-4 for the Knights.

MIAA SOFTBALL STANDINGS THROUGH 4-9-09 GAMES

Trine 4-0
Adrian 5-1
Alma 8-2
Saint Mary's 4-2
Hope 5-5
Albion 1-5
Olivet 1-7
Calvin 0-6

Jeff Febus
Sports Information Director
Calvin College
(616) 526-6169 Office
(616) 526-8551 Fax
Received on Thu Apr 9 23:00:21 2009