Norfolk, Nebraska
After changing locations and switching to a night game, the Reivers found a way to get in a conference double header with Northeast, and also found a way to win a couple unconventional games, 2-0 and 8-7.
The first game of the two game set saw a familiar face throwing another shutout. Brook Melnychuk continued her dominance in the circle by striking out 11 batters and allowing no runs to cross home plate. However, the bats couldn't gain any traction, mustering just five hits and scoring two runs. Katriana Bain was 2-2, with a double and an RBI, and Madeline Layman also had two hits and drove in a run.
In the second game, starter Hannah Smart had a rough go early, surrendering three runs in the top of the first. Melnychuk entered the game and was able to allow the Reivers some time to get the bats started. IWCC finally got some runs on the board in the third inning when Logan Corcoran and Mattilyn Reiling were brought home by a 2-run single from Madi Layman, cutting the lead 3-2. Matti Reiling was plated again after singling in the 5th to tie the game at three apiece on a throwing error. Melnychuk would surrender an unearned run in the sixth off two Reiver errors but Iowa Western claimed a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the sixth. Corcoran reached on an error, Matti Reiling singled, and Kennedy Walls singled to load the bases. Madi Layman would work a bases loaded walk to tie the game and a single off the fence in center from Kat Bain and a Sac Fly by Myla Beckstrom would bring home two more for the home team. The Hawks refused to go quietly, capitalizing on a two out error to plate three runs and grab a 7-6 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh. Aujenai Gregory blasted a solo shot well over the left center field fence to tie the game and Kennedy Walls singled home Matti Reiling who had reach on a fielder's choice and stole second to grab a walk-off win for the Reivers.
"I just felt there was no way we were going to let Brook (Melnychuk) down," said sophomore Aujenai Gregory. "She threw almost two complete games and we knew we had to step up and score some runs for her because she was carrying us."
Brook Melnychuk finished the day with two wins in 13.2 innings of work, striking out 17, allowing seven hits, and four unearned runs courtesy of three Iowa Western errors.
Matti Reiling was 4-5 in the night cap, scoring four runs, including the game winner.
The Reivers are scheduled to get on the road again for ICCAC play this weekend at Kirkwood CC in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Follow the Reivers on social media:
Twitter | https://twitter.com/ReiverSoftball
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/IWCCsoftball
Instagram | https://www.instagram.comreiversoftball
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