s  Head Coach Dennis Trom told KDHL following the clincher this season there were a lot more expectations for his team to go back to state because every player was back from last year.  He said the girls have worked hard and improved throughout the season.

Sophomore Megan Erickson hit two no doubt solo home runs over the left field fence. Number nine hitter sophomore Chloe Kimmes also belted a two run shot to left center to lead the orange crush attack.  Junior right handed pitcher Morgyn Otte tossed a three hitter with 5 strikeouts, 0 walks while throwing a very efficient 68 pitches over 7 innings.  50 for strikes.  Otte did not have a 3 ball count on any batter in the game.

The Rockets led the bottom of the first off with back to back singles by lead batter Morgyn Otte and Megan Erickson but they didn't score.  McKenna Otte hit a liner to the shortstop who tagged the runner next to her for the double play.  A pop out by the cleanup hitter ended the inning.

Randolph would get all the runs they ultimately needed in the bottom of the second inning.  With one out senior Andrea Splichal hit a single and was the second out at second base on a fielder's choice.  Number eight batter senior Kenna Foss jumped on the first pitch crushing it to right center.  The ball hit high off the fence on one bounce and Foss had a RBI stand up double.  Number nine batter Kimmes, on a 2-1 count hit a no doubt home run to left center and the Rockets were up 3-0.

Megan Erickson hit solo homers in the 4th inning on a 2-2 count and the 6th inning on a 1-0 count.  Erickson also hit two singles in the game.

The Rockets other two runs were scored in the fifth inning.  Junior Maddie Dibble started the inning with a bunt single and went to second on an error.  Splichal hit a grounder to third base that ended in an error to place runners at the corners with no outs.  Number 7 hitter senior Lindsey Grant hit a grounder to second scoring the runner from second base.  Foss took a 2-2 pitch and laced it for a stand up double to knock in the other run in the inning.

Randolph finished the game with 12 hits in my book, had two errors, left 9 runners on base, 7 in scoring position.

Kimball Area had 3 singles, 2 errors and two left, one in scoring position.

The seeds for the state tournament will come out Saturday according to Coach Trom and the Rockets will more than likely be a top four seed.

The latest Minnesota Softball Coaches Association poll had Randolph ranked #3 in the state.  The Rockets are 22-2 with their only losses to bigger schools and ranked schools to boot.  Class 2A Zumbrota-Mazeppa and Class 4A Coon Rapids.

Kimball Area ended their season with a 14-9 record.

KDHL does plan on bringing you the Rocket games in next week's State Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato.  Two games are guaranteed on Thursday and if both are won the State title game is Friday.  If you split the first two depending on when that happens the team could be playing for the consolation championship or third place trophy.

 

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