Simpson softball rolls past Grinnell in doubleheader opening day sweep

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Simpson wasted no time showing off the bats in the home opener, outscoring Grinnell 12-2 in the opener before a walk-off home run from Megan Heidelbauer sealed the 9-1 sweep on Friday night.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

• Simpson jumped on the board with three runs in the first inning, starting with an RBI groundout from Ehlers, before Fowler added two more runs on a single to shortstop.
• The game broke open the second as Simpson put up a nine-spot to go up 12-0.
• RBI hits from James, Shaner, Fowler, Steen and finally Heidelbauer fueled the nine-run inning.
• Grinnell added their two runs in the fifth on a fielder's choice, and an RBI single but the rally was shut down and Simpson closed out the 12-2 win.
• Franklin went the first three innings in the circle, allowing no runs on just one hit before Rockhold and Breckner combined for the final two innings in relief.

GAME ONE LEADERS

Ashlyn Steen - 2-for-2, 3 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 3 SB, 1 2B
Megan Heidelbauer - 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 2B
Mackenzie James - 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB
Makayla Fowler - 2-for-3, 3 RBI

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

• Steen once again provided the first spark for the Storm, driving in two runs in the bottom of the second to put Simpson up early.
• A failed pickoff attempt allowed Fisk to come home from second after a rundown transpired to give Simpson a 3-0 lead in the third.
• Grinnell's lone run of the game came in the third on an RBI double in the gap.
• Steen delivered another shot, this time a solo shot in the right center alley before James added an RBI on a single to left to make it a 5-1 ballgame.
• In the fifth, all with two outs, Simpson put two runners on for Heidelbauer who lifted a ball deep to left center for a walk-off home run to seal the 9-1 victory after five innings.
• Cronin picked up the win after going three innings, allowing one run on three hits before LaFave and Tucker closed the door in relief.

GAME TWO LEADERS

Ashlyn Steen - 3-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
Megan Heidelbauer - 3-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB
Alexis Ehlers - 2-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
Mackenzie James - 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 SB

UP NEXT

Simpson continues the home stand, next hosting Central for a doubleheader on Friday, April 4 with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m.