Griz softball captures second victory of the season

Sunday, March 1

Stockton, Calif.

9:30 AM

Montana

1-12

North Dakota State

12-3

Montana

North Dakota State

Griz softball captures second victory of the season

3/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

The Montana Griz softball team won their second game of the season today, with a 7-6 victory over Pacific. Montana (2-12) lost to Pacific 6-2 on Saturday. The Griz also competed at a much higher level against North Dakota State, losing 8-6. North Dakota State defeated the Grizzlies 10-3 on Saturday.

"We got better again this weekend," head coach Jamie Pinkerton said. "We have to be able to play well in all three facets of the game, and I feel like we were able to do that today."

Game 1: North Dakota State 8, Montana 6

The Montana Griz lost 8-6 to North Dakota State (12-3) Sunday; North Dakota had previously defeated the No.17 Washington Huskies 6-4 on Friday at the Libby Matson Classic.

The Bison's offense exploded for four runs in the bottom of the second inning, scoring four runs on five hits. North Dakota State ended the game with 15 hits, compared to Montana's five.

The Bison would add one run in the top of the third inning, giving them the 5-0 lead before the Grizzlies would get on the board in the top of the fourth inning.

Delene Colburn homered over the left field fence, giving Montana its first run of the game. The Griz would tally another run until the top of the sixth inning, when they scored five runs to bring the deficit to only one, 7-6.

A two-RBI double by Bethany Olea brought in two runners, and then a three-run homerun by Tori Lettus brought in three more.

Meggie Reitz (1-2) got the loss for the Grizzlies, allowing seven earned runs on 15 hits.

Game 2: Montana 6, Pacific 2

Kenzie Cole pitched her best game of the season, allowing only two runs.

"She did a great job," Pinkerton said. "She stayed ahead in the count and didn't give them a lot."

Cole was helped out by 14 Montana hits in the win.

The Griz were able to get on the board first, scoring one run in the top of the first inning when Lexie Brenneis singled bringing home Gabby Martinez. Montana then scored two more runs in the top of the third inning, when Brenneis homered over the left field fence.

Montana would score three more runs in the top of the fifth inning, giving themselves the 6-0 lead, an amount Pacific could not come back from.

Brenneis finished the game 3 for 4 with 3 RBI's. Colburn also finished the game 3 for 4.

"We've got to hit the ball and execute," Pinkerton said. "We've cut down on some of the mental mistakes, and we have been playing better defense. We just need to get healthy and worry about ourselves right now."

Looking Forward:

Montana will travel to Boise, Idaho next weekend to compete in the Springhill Suites Invitational.