March 22, 2011
Site: Moraga, Calif. (Cottrell Field)
Score: Northwestern 8, Saint Mary's 0 (5 inn.)
Records: NU (13-7), Saint Mary's (4-8)
Next NU Event: Second game of doubleheader
MORAGA, Calif. -- Jessica Smith hurled a two-hit shutout and Northwestern used the strength of a six-run fourth inning in cruising to an 8-0 five-inning win over Saint Mary's in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday afternoon.
Adrienne Monka went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with four RBI, while Michelle Batts socked a three-run homer. Jordan Wheeler also collected three hits in as many at-bats as NU ripped 12 hits in the contest.
The Wildcats loaded the bases against Audrianna Solari in the top of the first inning but wasn't able to cash in. Back-to-back one-out singles by Lauren Ackerman and Wheeler in the second put a pair of runners aboard for NU, but Solari was able to work her way out of trouble once again.
After collecting two more hits in the third, Northwestern finally broke through in a big way in the fourth. A single by Kelly Quinn, a walk to Ackerman and a single by Wheeler loaded the bases with no one out. The Gaels got a forceout at home, but Robin Thompson plated Ackerman with an RBI single to get the 'Cats on the board before Monka ripped a two-run double to make it 3-0. Batts then broke the game wide open with a three-run blast to right-center to put the visitors up by six and bringing Solari's afternoon to an end.
The Wildcats added to their lead in the fifth as Wheeler singled to open the inning and Thompson had a one-out hit before Monka brought them both home with her second two-run double in as many innings.
That was more than enough for Smith who surrendered only a two-out double in the second and a bunt single in the third. She struck out four while walking two in earning her fourth win of the season.
Northwestern and Saint Mary's were slated to play the second game of the twinbill soon after the completion of the first contest.
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