CLERMONT, Fla.. - The Fire put their slow offensive performances in the rear-view-mirror as Southeastern hitters combined for six home runs. The power surge led to a sweep over Spring Arbor by scores of 4-0 and 7-4, respectively.
After six consecutive strikeouts by
Hannah Bodenhorn, the Fire broke through in the bottom of the third when
Sam Holcomb launched a two-run blast over the left field fence. Holcomb finished the game a perfect 3-3 with two RBIs.
As she has done all season, Bodenhorn dominated inside the circle. Through five innings, Bodenhorn collected 11 strikeouts. The transfer from North Alabama totaled 12 strikeouts in six innings of work and only allowed two base runners.
Southeastern added some insurance runs in the fifth with the help of Holcomb and
Kiah Ferrell. With one out Holcomb tripled and
Brandee Pietrzak successfully laid down a safety squeeze scoring Holcomb from from third.
The three-run lead was increased to four when Ferrell launched a solo-shot to dead-center.
Dayna McDonald pitched a blemish-free seventh inning to solidify the Fire's 11th win of the season.
The twenty minutes between the games was not nearly enough time to cool down the red-hot offense.
With one out in the first
Haleigh Harrell hit a bullet that cleared the left field fence. The Fire had an early lead, but the Cougars would not go down without a fight.
Spring Arbor's Cora Millay answered with a solo shot of her own to knot the ball game up at one.
For the second time today, Holcomb launched a homer, regaining the Fire lead.
Both pitchers proceeded to hold the offenses scoreless. The Fire's
Ashley Appell settled in and collected 10 Ks.
The Fire surrendered a go-ahead two-run home run to Jessica Marwede which established a 3-2 Cougar lead.
The Fire found themselves trailing with just three outs to work with. Down by one, the Fire unleashed a five-run seventh inning. With two on and one out, Pietrzak delivered a go-ahead three-run missile deep over the left field wall.
Pietrzak's homer did not mark the end of the offensive onslaught. After a walk to
Ramsey Sullivan,
Britney Schmidt drove the sixth Fire home run over the wall. The big inning moved the score to 7-3.
Spring Arbor would battle in the seventh to add one additional run, but it would not nearly be enough to catch the Fire.
Southeastern will be back in action tomorrow to complete their nine game week. First pitch of the tripleheader against Calumet is set for 12 p.m.
