Houghton softball pitcher Grace Brunett will be starting in the first game of a doubleheader against Ishpeming on Tuesday. The Houghton Gremlins suffered a 1-0 loss in their previous match against Ishpeming, but they made a comeback in a doubleheader against Negawny on Monday, scoring one run. On Tuesday, the Gremlins dominated against the Hematites, winning 14-1 and 15-0. Head coach Melissa Baker encouraged the team to warm up and regain focus before the game, which resulted in an explosive offense from the Gremlins.
During the first inning, the Gremlins scored one run, followed by two more in the second inning, and an incredible seven-point explosion in the same round. The team continued to dominate in the third and fourth innings, resulting in a 14-1 lead. The game ended with Brune shutting down Ishpeming’s offense, with a total of 68 pitches thrown, five strikeouts, and only two walks. She held Ishpeming to just one hit in the entire contest.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the Gremlins sealed their win with a strong performance once again, scoring one run in the first inning, five in the second, and a staggering nine runs in the third to secure the victory. Olanketo and Arco had standout performances, with multiple hits, RBIs, and runs scored. Zapolnik also had a strong game, scoring two runs on two-for-three at bats.
The Gremlins’ next match will be a doubleheader against Ironwood on Thursday, with the first game starting at 4 pm.