NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The IU Southeast softball team picked up two big wins to begin a key weekend series to determine first-place in the KIAC.
The Grenadiers (24-5, 18-3 KIAC) got a 2-1 victory in game one and a 9-1 win via an eight-run fourth inning in game two.
In game one, the RedStorm took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second on an RBI single by Alex Kuhn. Jessica Leanhart got out of a jam with runners on the corners and one out by striking out the next two batters. She had nine strikeouts on the day.
The Grenadiers battled back with two runs in the bottom of the inning. Shelby Lucas led off with a triple. After Brookelyn Visker walked, Lucas scored after a missed catch by second baseman Alex Kuhn as Visker was attempting to steal. Visker was safe at second and advanced to third on Katelyn Heines' groundout to short. Delaney Arnold grounded out to second to bring in Visker.
Rio Grande threatened again in the top of the third with runners on first and second and no one out, but Leanhart retired the next three batters on a fly out and two strikeouts.
Leanhart (16-2) worked seven innings, allowing one run on three hits.
In game two, IU Southeast took the lead in the opening inning. Montanah Rogers led off with a single. She advanced to second on Morgan Klosterman's sacrifice bunt and moved to third on a passed ball. She scored on an error by shortstop Cheyenne Hamaker who could not catch a sinking liner from Shelby Lucas.
Rio Grande tied the game in the fourth. Alex Kuhn hit a RBI double to bring in Taylor Arndt who had reached on a fielder's choice.
The Grenadiers answered with an eight-run bottom of the fourth. Visker led off the inning with a double. She scored on fielder's choice as she slid in safely ahead of the throw. Cadie Povaleri and Rogers hit RBI doubles. Morgan Klosterman brought in Rogers with a single. Then Alyssa Price singled and Lucas singled to bring in Klosterman.
Brookelyn Visker capped off the inning with a three-run home run to left for her second home run of the year.
Caroline Cato (8-3) worked five innings. She gave up three hits and one run while walking two and striking out four.
IU Southeast concludes the series with Rio Grande Saturday at noon. The Senior Day ceremony for the Grenadiers' only senior, third baseman Summer Sanders, will take place in between games.
