MACOMB, Ill. – Western Illinois was held to just one hit as North Dakota State used a five-run second inning to pick up a series-clinching, 7-2 victory on Sunday, April 17 at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.
The Fighting Leathernecks (13-21, 9-9) fell behind early and were never able to get on track offensively as the Bison (20-22, 10-5) picked up the win on the strength of Whitney Johnson's performance from the circle.
North Dakota State got on the board with one out in the second when Cristina Borek was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to bring in a run. The Bison would score another run on an RBI single and three more on a fielding error later in the inning.
Western Illinois was unable to pick up a hit until Erin Schlotfeldt led off the fourth inning with a single up the middle. A one out walk drawn by Megan Kelly put two on with one out, but Johnson was able to retire the final two batters to keep the lead intact.
The Leathernecks would put up a single run in the bottom of the fifth when Nikki Marinec scored from first base on an error by NDSU third baseman Brea Konz.
The Bison would answer back with two insurance runs in the top of the seventh when Taylor Mortensen lined a shot over the left field fence to make it 7-1.
Marinec would reach safely on a fielding error in the bottom of the inning and advanced to third after a wild pitch and Colleen Biebel's ground out to second.
A second error in the inning allowed Marinec to score from third and make the final 7-2.
Johnson (13-8) picked up her second win of the weekend by allowing two runs, both unearned, in a compete-game effort. She issued five walks and struck out four while allowing just one hit.
Kelsey Michelini (3-10) was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits in 1.1 innings. Hailey Bickford tossed the final 5.2 innings in relief and allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits while striking out three.
Mortensen led all players with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate as the Bison recorded nine hits in the contest. North Dakota State left five runners on base and committed five errors while the Leathernecks stranded nine and committed two errors.
Western Illinois will return to action when it plays host to Northern Illinois on Tuesday. The doubleheader is slated for a 3 p.m. first pitch at Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.
