Mount Mercy Earns Split in Road Twinbill with Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Mount Mercy (18-24, 13-11) split their doubleheader against Clarke (IA) (23-23, 12-12) on Tuesday, securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the first game before falling 5-1 in the second matchup.

Game One

The first game was a tight contest, highlighted by Mount Mercy's effective pitching, which allowed just five hits while striking out nine batters. In the second inning, Ashley Smith singled to left field and then stole second base, setting the stage for Abbey Smith, who doubled to left center, driving in As. Smith for the game's only run. The inning concluded with the Mustangs leading 1-0.

Despite several hits and runners left on base, both teams' defenses held firm throughout the game. Mount Mercy's pitcher, Ashley Webb, delivered a complete game shutout, striking out nine batters and allowing just five hits. The match ended with Mount Mercy maintaining its slim lead, earning a 1-0 victory.

As. Smith contributed offensively with two hits, including a double, and scored a run. Ab. Smith added a hit, a double, and drove in one run while also drawing two walks. Calli Janik reached base twice with two walks, impacting the lineup's ability to apply pressure.

For Clarke, Lauren Hefel stood out with an impressive offensive performance, recording three hits, including a double. Kynadee Harr contributed with a hit that also resulted in a double. Meredith Gat had a solid outing on the mound, pitching 6 innings and striking out four while allowing just one earned run. Hannah Palzk reached base safely with a hit and a walk, while also executing a successful sacrifice bunt.

Webb's dominant performance included 7 innings pitched, with no runs allowed, striking out 9 batters, and securing her the win with a 9-12 record. Webb's efficiency and command were pivotal in the Mustangs' victory.

For Clarke, Gat pitched 6 innings, conceding 1 earned run on 4 hits and 4 walks, striking out 4, and was credited with the loss, bringing her record to 5-7. Ellie Flanag provided 1 inning of relief without allowing a run, contributing 16 pitches with 9 strikes. 

Game Two

In the second game, Mount Mercy was unable to maintain their momentum, falling to Clarke with a final score of 5-1. The Mustangs' offense was highlighted by three doubles, but the Pride's 11 hits overpowered the visitors. Clarke took an early lead in the second inning when Kaylie Holtam singled down the left field line, driving in two runs, ending the inning with Clarke ahead 2-0.

Mount Mercy responded in the third inning when Kennedy Daugherty doubled and later scored on Janik's double to right center, narrowing the gap to 2-1 in favor of Clarke. However, Clarke extended their lead in the fifth inning with Teal Transburg's double and Kynadee Harris's single contributing to three more runs, bringing the score to 5-1.

Janik contributed significantly with two hits and an RBI, including a double. Daugherty added to the offense with a double and scored a run, while Megan Harrison also made an impact by hitting a double.

For Clarke, Holtam delivered an impressive performance with two RBIs, playing a crucial role in the Pride's offensive efforts. Transburg stood out with three hits, including a double, and contributed one RBI, showcasing consistent contact at the plate. Hannah Palzkill matched Transburg's hitting output with three hits and drove in one run, further boosting the team's scoring.

On the mound, Emma Slayback pitched a complete game for the Pride, allowing just one earned run over seven innings, striking out two, and walking none, which secured her a record of 9-8. Slayback's effective control was evident with 63 strikes out of 89 pitches.

For the Mustangs, McNally pitched 4 1/3 innings, yielding four earned runs on eight hits and took the loss, moving her record to 6-9. Ava Hahn contributed 1 2/3 innings in relief, allowing three hits without yielding a run.

Mount Mercy now holds an overall record of 18-24 and is 13-11 in its conference. Clarke (IA) improves to a 23-23 overall record and is 12-12 in the conference.

Looking ahead, Mount Mercy will host Grand View on Friday, April 24, at 4 and 6 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.