The Metro State softball team opened the 2009 season with a pair of victories over CSU-Pueblo, 9-2 and 13-9, Saturday afternoon at Auraria Field.
The 'Runners got on the board early in the first game, as junior Kellie Nishikida hit a home run over the right field fence in her first at bat as a Roadrunner. The solo shot was the only run scored until the bottom of the fourth inning.
Sarah Rusch started the inning off with a walk, then advanced to third when CSUP committed an error to allow Jennessa Tesone to reach second base. Tara Mickelson followed with a single to center field, scoring two runs. After Molly Clark reached on a fielder's choice, another CSUP error allowed Danni Hedstrom to reach second and Clark to advance to third. Another Thunderwolves' error put Clark across home plate and advanced Hedstrom to third. Lauren Hainlen then homered to left field to clear the bases and give the 'Runners a 7-0 lead. But, Metro State did not stop there, after a pitching change from CSUP, Amber Roundtree doubled to left center and Kellie Nishikida singled to right field to add another run. Rusch again came to the plate and doubled to left center to advance Nishikida to third. Tesone singled to score Nishikida and Mickelson followed with a walk. Clark then had a sacrifice fly to left to score another run. Corrie Nishikida finally ended the inning with a pop up to left field.
CSUP finally got on the board in the top of the fifth posting three hits and two runs.
UNLV transfer Christie Robinson earned her first victory as a Roadrunner, allowing two runs and five hits in five innings of work. The junior struck out five and walked four batters.
The Thunderwolves got off to a fast start in the second game of the series, posting three runs in the top of the first inning off Corrie Nishikida. The 'Runners put one run on the board in the first inning off a triple from Tesone that scored Rusch. Metro added another run in the second after Clark tripled and Hedstrom posted a sacrifice bunt.
Tesone added a two-run home run in the third inning to give the 'Runners the 4-3 advantage. But, CSUP added four runs in the top of the fourth to pull ahead 7-4. Metro responded immediately with five runs of its own in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by a grand slam from Rusch. The 'Runners would add two more runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, including a home run from Jessica Haab.
C Niskikida earned her first victory in the circle, going the distance and allowing eight hits and seven earned runs.
Metro State returns to action Sunday at noon against Fort Hays State (2-0), who opened the season by sweeping two games from Regis today.
