Cathedral tops MVL with fourth-inning rally

By HANS BIEBL

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- A three-run fourth-inning rally propelled the Cathedral Greyhounds past the Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers 5-1 in the nightcap Thursday in New Ulm at Harman Park in the North Division of Section 2A softball.

Entering the bottom of the fourth inning, the Chargers led 1-0. After the fourth inning, Cathedral led 3-1. Nikki Fischer's solo home run began the Greyhound fourth-inning rally and in doing so, changed the outcome of the game.

Following Fischer's dinger, Liesl Genelin singled, moved to second on a fielder's choice, and scored on Jessica Lewis' bloop double. Katie Gieseke then ripped a RBI single, on which Lewis scored, to complete Cathedral's fourth inning and make the score 3-1.

"We sure opened it up in the fourth inning," said Cathedral coach Bob Mertz. "Nikki sure hit the ball hard today and really turned the game around for us."

Chargers' starter Jennie Burt pitched six innings and gave up three earned runs and two additional unearned runs. She allowed nine hits.

In the first inning, though, MVL jumped to the early 1-0 lead when Courtney Hammerschmidt reached base on a Cathedral error. She stole second, went to third on a Janelle Fischer single and scored on another Cathedral error.

"I give [MVL] credit," said Mertz. "They were ready for us."

The Greyhound defense and starting pitcher Amber Franta then became stingy, as they allowed only two additional hits on the night and no more runs. In picking up the win, Franta pitched all seven innings, did not allow an earned run, gave up three hits, struck out six and walked two.

"I am really happy with the effort our girls gave," said MVL coach Jim Buboltz. Buboltz made it clear that the Chargers need to score more runs but was confident in his team. "We were feeling it tonight, and I think that excitement is going to carry over to Saturday in Mankato."

The loss pits MVL against McLeod West Saturday at North Mankato's Caswell Park at 11 AM. Cathedral plays St. Mary's of Sleepy Eye at the same time and location.

After Franta retired the Chargers in the top of the fifth inning, Cathedral added two runs for good measure. Kristin Beranek began the inning with a swinging-bunt single. She moved to second on a fielder's choice and scored after a Franta groundball resulted in a Charger error. Franta eventually reached home on another MVL error, which gave Cathedral the 5-1 lead.

MVL, however, threatened the Cathedral victory, the Hounds' third win over MVL this season, in the sixth inning.

Janelle Fischer began the Charger spark with a walk, which was followed by a Becca Kramer single. A Meghan Braam groundball led to a Cathedral error, which loaded the bases. With a great scoop at first base after a low throw from right field, Cathedral's Lewis prevented MVL from scoring and ended the inning. Franta pitched a perfect seventh inning to seal the win.

Cathedral's Fischer had a 3-for-3 performance with a RBI. Lewis was 2-for-3 with a RBI, and Katie Gieseke added the final CHS RBI.

MVL's Fischer, Burt and Rachel Lokken each had a hit.

CHS 000 320 x -- 5

MVL100 000 0 -- 1

WP--Frata LP--Burt

HR--Fischer (CHS) 2B--Lewis