GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Golden Eagles offense continued to shine scoring a run in 10 of the 13 innings played today, winning 11-3 in six innings during game one, and 7-5 in seven innings in game two. Cornerstone has now won three games in a row and scored seven or more runs in five of the team's first eight games to sit at 6-2 overall. CU concludes the four-game home stand with two vs. Saint Francis of Indiana tomorrow starting at 2 p.m. This will be the teams seventh and eighth games vs. teams out of the Crossroads League.
Game One: Cornerstone – 11 Spring Arbor - 3
- CU started game one with a bang as Alessa Baldwin-Buchner and McKenzie Butgereit each singled through the left side before the pitcher Kaitlin Johnson helped herself with a three-run bomb to left field.
- In the second, CU added a run as Alessa Badwin Buchner bunted to bring home Alicia Ontiveros and make it 4-0.
- After an error extended the top of the third, Spring Arbor recorded their first hit of the game on a two RBI double to right center from Abbie Funk. Sarah Matlock then hit an RBI single to make it 4-2 before she was thrown out trying to extend the single to a double.
- Cornerstone continued to find offense in every inning as Molly Poole recorded an RBI single in the bottom of the third to score Kaitlin Johnson and bring the lead back to three, 5-2.
- Another run crossed the plate in the bottom of the fourth for CU as Sierra Sanchez scored on a Cougar error to make it 6-2.
- Ashley Loera came into pitch in the top of the fifth and did well, but Spring Arbor was able to score a run after an error as Abbie Funk singled to bring in Kaitlynne Allen cutting the deficit back to three.
- The streak continued as Cornerstone erupted for four more runs in the bottom of the fifth. Sierra Sanchez singled with the bases loaded, but an SAU error allowed all three runners to score to make it 9-3. Alessa Baldwin-Buchner then scored Sierra Sanchez on a groundout to bring the score to 10-3.
- Cornerstone scored the final run needed to get a six-inning mercy, as Kailin Hurrle singled to score pinch runner Paige French and give CU the 11-3 win.
Game Two: Cornerstone – 7 Spring Arbor - 5
- Spring Arbor found the scoreboard first in game two, recording a pair of singles and a sacrifice bunt in the top of the first to bring home the lead-off hitter Jessie Panchaud.
- Kaitlin Johnson continued her fantastic day right into game two beating out a throw to first to record an RBI single that scored Sierra Sanchez and tied the game at one.
- Jessie Panchaud got SAU the runs right back in the top of the second inning roping a two RBI double into left center to regain the edge 3-1.
- In the bottom of the second inning Cornerstone was held scoreless for the first time in either game stranding a runner at third.
- Alessa Baldwin-Buchner hit her second HR of the year to lead-off the bottom of the third as the Golden Eagles began to chip away, trailing 3-2.
- Aliyah Lemmer then gave Cornerstone the lead with a three RBI bases clearing double in the bottom of the third to make it 5-3.
- In the fourth, Spring Arbor forced some long at bats off starter Mikayla Meade, as Jessie Panchaud was able to record a clutch RBI two out triple that tied the game after an error allowed her to score. Game sat tied at 5-5 after the top of the fourth.
- In the bottom of the inning, CU got the lead right back with an RBI single from McKenzie Butgereit that scored Alessa Baldwin-Buchner and made it 6-5.
- Cornerstone later added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth as Shylin Robirds scored on an error to bring the advantage to two runs at 7-5.
- Abby Nachazel earned the save after loading the bases getting a groundout to secure the CU win, 7-5.
By the Numbers
3/4/1 –
Kaitlin Johnson did a little of everything earning her third win on the bump while also recording three, hits, four RBI, and a home run on the day.
.348 – Cornerstone is hitting .348 as a team this season with three players over .400.
11 –
McKenzie Butgereit has a team high 11 hits this season.
10 – Cornerstone scored in 10 of 13 innings played today.
What's Next?
Cornerstone concludes a four-game home stretch with another double-header against a Crossroads League foe in Saint Francis of Indiana tomorrow starting at 2 p.m.
Softball Contact:
Seth Walters
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