Tucker tosses complete game shutout; Simpson rallies for sweep over Loras

INDIANOLA, Iowa - Kylee Tucker pitched a complete game shutout to open up the day, before a dramatic sixth inning rally by the Storm netted Simpson the sweep over Loras on Wednesday afternoon.

Ashlyn Steen scored three runs on the day, but it was her second that will be remembered as the outfielder broke the school record for most runs scored in a single season. Set by Karen Smith in 2000 with 46, Steen scored number 47 and 48 in the second half of the doubleheader to etch her name in the record books.

GAME ONE HIGHLIGHTS

• The nation's leading RBI producer didn't waste any time to add to her stat line. Heidelbauer collected RBI number 51 on a double to left center, scoring Steen to put Simpson up 1-0 in the bottom of the first.
• The lone run from Heidelbauer proved that was all Tucker needed in the circle, as the senior put together her best outing of the season.
• Tucker earned her eighth win of the season with a complete game shutout, allowing just five hits with no walks, and one strikeout.
• James collected two hits for the Storm, while Heidelbauer, Steen, and Kriegel earned one to round out the five hits for the Storm.

GAME ONE LEADERS

Kylee Tucker - 7 IP, CGSO, W, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mackenzie James - 2-for-3, 1 2B
Ashlyn Steen - 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 BB
Megan Heidelbauer - 1-for-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI
Kate Kriegel - 1-for-2, 1 2B

GAME TWO HIGHLIGHTS

• Loras struggled to cleanly field two balls to left to begin the game as Steen and Heidelbauer doubled to make it 1-0. The run for Steen was her 47th of the season, breaking the school record set by Karen Smith in 2000 for most runs scored in a single season.
• Later in the inning, James capitalized with Heidelbauer on third, grounding out but allowing Heidelbauer to score to increase the lead to 2-0.
• The Duhawks scored two in the second to tie up the ballgame, but the Storm were able to limit the damage, leaving the bases full of Duhawks.
• Loras took their first lead of the day in the fourth inning, bringing home two on an RBI single in the gap.
• Simpson responded by loading the bases in the bottom half of the fourth with Steen up to the plate. The lefty drove a ball into the left center gap, clearing the bases and putting Simpson on top 5-4.
• Loras continued to fight, tying the game once again in the sixth with an RBI through the right side with two outs.
• The stage was set for the Storm in the bottom of the sixth; however, two quick outs put the rally in jeopardy with one runner. With Steen at the plate, the junior drove a ball through the right side, sending Obleton to third, but a throwing error by the Duhawks allowed Obleton to score the go-ahead run.
• Next up was Heidelbauer, perhaps the most dangerous hitter in the country, and the righty capitalized once again. Heidelbauer connected on her 14th home run of the season, giving Simpson the 8-5 lead and eventual win.

GAME TWO LEADERS

Ashlyn Steen - 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 3B
Megan Heidelbauer - 3-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 2B
Katie Shaner - 2-for-3, 1 R, 1 2B
Emma LaFave - 3 IP, W, 2 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

UP NEXT

Simpson concludes the homestand with a doubleheader against Wartburg on Saturday, April 19 starting at 1:00 PM