Rochester, MN—A series of home runs and back-to-back complete game shutouts carried the Marshalltown Community College softball team to three wins on Saturday afternoon at the Early Bird Dome Tournament hosted by Rochester Community and Technical College. MCC allowed just two runs on the day and went 3-1 at the tournament.
After dropping a pair of games Friday, including an extra-inning loss, the Tigers (4-3) opened up a four-game schedule on Saturday with more extra innings as MCC went eight frames with Bethel University. The Royals spoiled a spectacular pitching performance from Sarah Wilson (Ottumwa, IA/Ottumwa) with a run in the eighth inning to steal a 1-0 victory.
After failing to cross home plate in the opener, MCC responded with 13 runs in their second game of the day to take a 13-1 victory over Riverland Community College. Brianna James (Lynnville, IA/Lynnville-Sully) allowed just one run in seven innings to earn her first win of the season. While Wilson shined in the circle in game one, the sophomore put on a display in game two with a three-run home run, her second of the year.
The Tigers continued to roll in their third game of the day as MCC took on host Rochester Community and Technical College. MCC needed only five innings to take down the Yellowjackets as Holli Baker (Grimes, IA/Dallas Center-Grimes) twirled a complete game shutout from the circle. Lexie Biehl (Maquoketa, IA/Maquoketa) powered the MCC offense with a pair of home runs, the first of her career. Wilson's offensive prowess continued in the third game with another home run to go along with a triple.
In the team's final game of the night, the Tigers squared off against Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Again, the Tigers needed only five innings as Wilson shutout the Bluejays 10-0 behind nine strikeouts, tying a season-high, to pick up her second win of the year.
"We pitched really well today" said head coach Ty Robinson. "After the first game we started hitting the ball. We picked up our intensity and finally got into a rhythm."
The Tigers are scheduled for a pair of games at Southeast Community College on March 13.
