(Atlantic) #7 Atlantic sits atop the Hawkeye Ten Conference with a two-game lead following a 4-1 win over Harlan at Atlantic on Thursday night.
Olivia Engler followed a one-hit shut-out over Denison-Schleswig on Wednesday night with a two-hitter against the Cyclones on Thursday. The senior allowed one run on just two hits struck out eight batters and walked one in the win. Engler notched her 207th strikeout this season, pushing her career strikeout total to 526.
“We knew we were going to have an excellent effort, and starts with Olivia Engler in the circle,” said Atlantic Head Coach Terry Hinzmann. “She held Harlan to two hits and didn’t allow them to group hits together, and that gives us an excellent opportunity to win.”
Tianna Kasperbauer took the loss for the Cyclones. The junior allowed three runs on four hits in two innings of work. Emily Brouse pitched in relief for Harlan. The senior allowed one run on two hits, struck out eight and walked two Atlantic hitters.
The Trojans scored four runs on six hits and committed one error. Harlan scored one run on two hits and committed one error.
“I thought we could’ve been tougher at the plate,” said Hinzmann. “We allowed ourselves to get behind in the count when they were firing first-pitch strikes. Defensively, when we huddled after the game, Alyssa Derby brought up the fact that our outfielders (Ava Rush, Madison Botos, and Abby Smith), are doing an excellent job of tracking down fly balls with their speed. We’re pleased with the play in the outfield.”
The three-run first inning proved to be the difference in the game. Madison Botos put down a drag bunt, Jada Jensen reached on an error. Then, Alyssa Derby laced an RBI single, and Lauren Nicholas belted a two-RBI single to give Atlantic a 3-0 cushion.
“Botos bunted on her own and I didn’t have anything to do with that,” said Hinzmann. “I did have something to do with the second one. We want to score first. It’s easier to pitch and it’s easier to play with a lead, so we’re trying to get on the board before anyone else. The idea is to get ’em on, get ’em over, and get ’em in.”
Madison Schumacher singled and scored on an error for Harlan, and Julia Schechinger hit a single to account for the Cyclone’s only run in the third inning.
Botos went three-for-four at the plate to lead Atlantic. Nicholas drilled a two-RBI single, and Derby and Kennedy Goergen accounted for the other two Trojan hits.
The Trojans move to 15-1 in the Hawkeye Ten and 26-5 overall. Harlan falls to 12-3 in the Conference and 20-9 in all games.
“This win doesn’t mean anything if we lose tomorrow night,” said Hinzmann. “Every game is a big game for us. We get everyone’s best effort because we are at the top of the conference and ranked in the state, and that will continue on through the regionals.”
Atlantic travels to Kuemper on Friday night. Harlan travels to Shenandoah for a doubleheader on Monday.
