MSOE 10, Carthage 6
Carthage 8, MSOE 0

KENOSHA — The Carthage College softball team returned to action in their home opener against MSOE. The Firebirds fell 10-6 in game one to the Raiders. In game two the Firebirds swept 8-0. 


Game One

• The Raiders got on the board early in the top of the first scoring one with one hit and three runners left on base (1-0). 
• In the bottom of the first, the Firebirds tied it up. Clare Rettler started it off with a walk, stolen base, and advancing to third on a wild pitch. Kristina Chronos singled up the middle to score Rettler (1-1).
• MSOE took back the lead scoring two runs on two hits and leaving two on base in the top of the second (3-1). 
• A quick inning in the bottom of the second left the Firebirds with no runs on no hits and zero runners left on base. 
• The Raiders advanced their lead in the top of the fourth scoring one run after two singles (4-1).
• A scoreless bottom of the fourth for the Firebirds allowed the Raiders to keep the 4-1 lead going into the fifth.
• The Firebirds held the Raiders to one hit and one runner left on base in the top of the fifth (4-1).
• Rettler led a big inning for the Birds with a triple to left center to start the bottom of the fifth. Izzy Hernandez singled down the left field line to score Rettler. Gwen Hendrick homered over center field scoring Hernandez and tying the ballgame 4-4.
• The sixth inning brought no runs for either side (4-4). 
• In the top of the seventh, MSOE scored six runs on five hits turning the tie into a six-run lead (10-4). 
• Rettler started the bottom of the seventh battle for the Birds with a triple to left field. After a wild pitch, Rettler scored (10-5). Hernandez singled to right field and Hana Adler singled through the left side to load the bases. Kelly Gaiser came into pinch hit and singled to right field to score Hernandez (10-6). The Raiders held off the Firebirds to take the win 10-6. 

Game Two

• A quick inning started game two in the top of the first with no runs and no hits for the Raiders (0-0).
• Chronos singled to the center field to start the bottom of the first for the Firebirds. Hernandez singled through the left side to score Chronos (0-1).
• The Raiders had no runs on no hits and no one left on base in the top of the second. 
• The Firebirds increased their lead in the bottom of the second scoring three runs. Gaiser started it off by reaching on a fielder's choice. Adler singled to the shortstop to advance Gaiser to second. Gaiser and Adler scored after a triple to right center by Rylee Boyd. Boyd scored with Rettler's single to the shortstop (4-0).
• Another scoreless top of the inning for the Raiders, led to the Firebirds continuing their lead (4-0). 
• In the bottom of the third, Hendrick tripled to left center. Hristov came up next and grounded out to the pitcher to score Hendrick (5-0).
• The Firebirds held the Raiders to no run and no hits in the top of the fourth (5-0).
• In the bottom of the fourth, Rettler singled off of a bunt. Rettler stole second and Chronos singled up the middle to score Rettler, forcing the Firebirds' lead 6-0. Hernandez singled through the left side, Chronos crossed the plate, and the Firebirds' lead soared to 7-0 leaving the fourth. 
• A scoreless fifth inning for both sides, resulted in the Firebirds continuing their lead going into the sixth. 
• The Firebirds held the Raiders to no runs and no hits in the top of the sixth (7-0).
• In the bottom of the sixth Rettler walked and stole second to get into scoring position. Chronos grounded out to shortstop to advance Rettler to third. Simonson laid down a bunt to score Rettler, forcing the run rule of eight after five innings. The Firebirds took the second game from the Raiders 8-0. 

• In game one, Rettler led the Firebirds in hits with three and three runs on three at-bats. 
• In game two, Rettler and Chronos led the Firebirds in hits with two and two runs. 
• The Firebirds collected 22 hits over 58 plate appearances on the day. 

The Firebirds return to action in Wheaton, Ill. to face Wheaton College on Thursday, April 3 at 3:00 pm. For more information, visit our athletics.carthage.edu.