Pitchers key in doubleheader sweep of WMU
By PETER FRASSO
Sports Writer
Pitchers Jen Sharron and Kristin Schmidt allowed only one run in 13 innings, and right fielder Jenny Kriech went 5 for 8 with two stolen bases and four runs scored, leading the Irish softball team to a dominating doubleheader sweep of Western Michigan on Thursday by scores of 7-1 and 8-0.
"I knew we were capable of that," said Coach Liz Miller, who has led the Irish to the best start in school history. "We had a lull for three or four innings, but we finally put them away. They've had a rough start, and we have a lot of veterans on our team."
No. 11 Notre Dame improved their record to 22-3. They have won four in a row since losing their third game of the season to Cal State Fullerton back on March 18.
Game one pitcher Jen Sharron had a no-hitter through five, but struggled in the top of the sixth, loading the bases with no outs before getting out of the jam only allowing a single run.
"Except for one inning, it was the best I've seen Jen pitch since the South Carolina game," commented Miller. "She had great control, threw real hard, and had great movement."
"I just went out there with the mentality that I would dominate every pitch and every batter," said Sharron. "It's good to know that if someone hits a good pitch, the defense is behind me."
Sharron finished off the Broncos with a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh to claim her 11th win.
"I felt good about how I pitched today," added Sharron. "It's a great game to gain momentum going into the Big East this weekend."
Kristin Schmidt, the starter for game two, finished with a flurry, striking out the last six batters she faced.
"I could have made a few more outside corner pitches better, gotten a few more called strikes," said Schmidt. "I can always expect better, but overall I did pretty good."
"Kristin's been on a roll, and it continued tonight," added Miller.
The shutout, win number nine for Schmidt, was secured when the offense scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth, prompting the umpire to call the game due to the eight run mercy rule.
"Jenny was very tired due a large load of academics this week," said Miller. "She was really pressing, and was very focused. I had to pull her aside and tell her she was doing great. She's an excellent baserunner, and a dominant player."
Lizzy Lemire and Danielle Klayman both went 3 for 6. Leading slugger Jarrah Myers added two hits.
Notre Dame raced out to an early lead in both games. Myers started the scoring with an RBI double, sending 2B Alexis Madrid home. Sarah Kirkman and Klayman scored in the bottom of the second on a base hit by Kriech.
Game two started messy for the mistake-prone Broncos, who allowed three runs in a first inning splattered with stolen bases, passes balls and walks.
The Irish offense only struck out twice the entire afternoon, both in game two.
The team starts the Big East portion of its schedule on Saturday with a doubleheader vs. St. JohnÕs. On Sunday, they continue with two games vs. Seton Hall. Both sets start at 11 a.m., and will be played at Ivy Field on campus.
All Sports Stories for Friday, March 30, 2001
