MADISON, S.D. – The Dickinson State University (DSU) softball team dropped the final game of the thee-game series against Dakota State, 9-8, on Sunday afternoon. The Blue Hawks were originally scheduled to play a double-header but due to low temperatures, both teams agreed to have a single game to round out the three-game series. With the loss, the Blue Hawks moved to 17-23 overall and 9-9 in North Star action.
Dickinson State 8, Dakota State University 9
Dickinson State started of the scoring in the top of the first inning after a Katelyn Kubitschek single up the middle to score Rhea Paiva for the early 1-0 lead. However, DaSU responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the second inning to tie things at 1-1.
However, the Blue Hawks used a big seven hit, seven run third inning to regain the lead at 8-1. After a ground out to start the inning, Dallis Mitchell singled to the pitcher to start the offense. After an RBI double by Ari Martinez to score Mitchell, Katelyn Kubitschek singled to center field to score pinch runner Olivia Hanke for the second run of the inning. Emma Woodworth would connect on an RBI double of her own to extend the Blue Hawk lead up to three. After a pitching change by DaSU, Kamryn Kuntz landed on base after a walk by DaSU's Philop. Kamryn's sister, Kennedy Kuntz, followed with a single to load the bases with one out. Kara Conway connected with an RBI single down the left field line on the next at-bat to push the Blue Hawks' lead up to four. DSU added another run after a hit-by-pitch on Emilie Sickler with the bases loaded to walk in Kamryn Kuntz. With two outs, Dallis Mitchell grabbed her second hit of the inning with an RBI single to third base to bring home Kennedy Kuntz. The final run of the inning was with another bases loaded walk – drawn by Ari Martinez – for the seven-run lead.
Although the Blue Hawks looked to have a commanding lead, the Trojans of Dakota State continued to string together runs during the next four innings to tie things at 8-8 with one inning left to play.
With the game tied, the Blue Hawks looked to take over the lead once again in the top of the seventh. Kennedy Kuntz reached base on an error by the shortstop to start off the inning and advanced to second on a wild pitch during the next at-bat. After a sacrifice bunt by Kara Conway to move Kuntz to third base, Emilie Sickler's bunt got caught up in a fielder's choice – with Dakota State throwing out Kuntz at home. Dakota State captured the close 9-8 victory after a wild pitch on the final at-bat to secure the win.
From the Box Score –
Both teams racked up 12 hits in the game with four Blue Hawks recording a multiple hit game in Rhea Paiva, Dallis Mitchell, Katelyn Kubitschek, and Kennedy Kuntz. The final four hits came off the bats of Ari Martinez, Emma Woodworth, Kamryn Kuntz, and Kara Conway. Martinez and Kubitschek led the team with two RBIs a piece, while Martinez, Woodworth, and Kamryn Kuntz knocked in the three extra-base hits with a double.
From the mound, starting pitcher Dallis Mitchell threw for 4.2 innings – letting up eight runs (7#$) off 11 hits, while striking out three. Ari Martinez entered the game in relief during the fifth inning and suffered the loss as she let up one unearned run in six batters faced.
