Softball splits on Day 1 at Dixie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT Birgitta Gray O: (406) 896-5917 E: birgitta.gray@msubillings.edu February 12, 2016 Softball opens Dixie tournament with 1-hit shutout, drops game to CBU in nightcap MSUB Softball on Facebook Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Sophomore Megan Dettling had a strong all-around game tossing a 1-hit shutout and finishing 2-3 in the batter’s box.

The MSUB softball team opened with a split on the first day, taking a 3-0 win over Hawaii Hilo before falling 9-1 (5 innings) in the night game against Cal Baptist.

ST. GEORGE, Utah. – The MSUB softball team opened the Dixie State tournament with a 1-1 record. The Yellowjackets delivered a 1-hit shutout against Hawaii Hilo winning 3-0, before falling to Cal Baptist 9-1 (5 innings) in the night game during the 3-day tournament at Canyon Softball Complex.

During the opening game, sophomore Megan Dettling followed up her dominant game yesterday with another big outing for the Yellowjackets. The right-handed pitcher tossed a seven inning 1-hit shutout in the first game of the day.

She was also clutch at the plate finishing 2-3 with a run and RBI. In the second game, the hard-hitting Cal Baptist Lancers jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first two innings before MSUB landed on the scoreboard in the top of the second inning with the first MSUB career home run from catcher Haley Rowe.

MSU Billings is now 4-6 and plays two more games tomorrow at the tournament in St. George, Utah.

Game 1: Hawaii Hilo 0, MSUB 3 Dettling allowed just one hit in the first game of the day. In the top of the third inning, the right-handed pitcher got the first batter on a swinging strikeout. Hawaii Hilo (4-5) left fielder Mari Kawanno landed a single into left field. The next batter walked, but Dettling went back to work, striking out the next batter looking and MSUB shortstop Katlyn Stringari caught a popup to end the inning.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, MSUB pinch hitter Nicole Tiffany led-off with an infield single. With runners at first and second, Dettling singled sending a run across the plate. She advanced to second on a wild pitch and Stringari brought her home with a single into center field.

The ‘Jackets scored one more run in the fifth inning. Center field Bella Rovens kicked off the offense with a double into left center. Cori Gammon moved her to third with a single. Rovens was caught at home on a fielder’s choice, but Cameron Cassinelli sent Gammon home with a ball hit into the infield.

Both teams stranded seven runners, but MSUB was able to capitalize with its runners. They also outhit UHH 9-1. Dettling and Gammon were both 2-3 at the plate.

Dettling struck out six batters, and with the seven inning win moves to an overall record of 4-2.

“This is a great start to our day,” MSUB head coach Rebekah Gasner said. “We played very well defensively both on the field and in the circle. We stranded a lot of runners as a defense and we are gaining confidence to get out of innings when opposing runners get on base. We are starting to work well together offensively and get clutch hits when needed.

Yesterday we had an offensive practice focusing mainly on putting the pressure on their defense rather than on ourselves in the box and I think they bought in to that during our first game today.”

Game 2: MSUB 1, Cal Baptist 9 (5 innings) In the second game of the day, MSU Billings (4-6) ran up against a hot-hitting team from Cal Baptist. The Lancers (6-1) came into the tournament with six run-rule games and they continued their offensive show at the plate against MSUB. The Lancers landed two home runs in the first inning, a solo shot from Krista Mann and a 2-run blast from Hannah Thieroff for a 3-0 opening.

In the second inning, Rowe recorded a 2-out home run over center field for the first home run of her Yellowjacket career.

CBU added to their lead with four more runs in the bottom of the second inning on four singles, three walks, and a hit by pitch. With bases loaded, MSUB made a pitching change, getting the next three batters out.

MSUB did put another batter on base in the third inning. Rovens singled, but the offense was unable to bring her around.

Cal Baptist outhit MSUB 11-4. The Yellowjackets left three on base with eight from the Lancers.

Rowe, Rovens, Dettling, and Myrissa Prince all picked up a hit in the game.

In the circle, senior Amanda Roark (0-4) was credited with the loss. Kellye Springstead earned the win for Cal Baptist.

“Cal. Baptist has a very respectable offense and they definitely outhit us today” Gasner said. “However, our defense did a great job getting lead-outs, especially when they had speed on the bases. Tomorrow we just need to come out ready to keep Western New Mexico and Dixie off-balance at the plate and be ready to battle in any situation.”

THE BUZZ: Rowe named St. Vincent Healthcare Player of the Day. UP NEXT: Saturday: 10 AM vs Dixie State | 3 PM vs Western New Mexico --@MSUBSports | #JacketNation--