The Baker University softball team is ranked second in the Heart of America Athletic Conference after sweeping a doubleheader with Avila University Tuesday at Cavaness Field.
“This year is more than we’ve expected already,” senior Erin Ford said.
The Wildcats have a 20-12 record after beating Avila 5-4 and 11-3 Tuesday and splitting a two-game series with Ottawa University Wednesday.
“Every player on our team is really determined,” Ford said. “We go into every game, and every person wants it equally.”
Sophomore Heather Gruber pitched a complete-game shutout Wednesday to help the Wildcats beat Ottawa 3-0 after losing the opening game 4-1.
During the first game, junior Brooke Allen hit her fifth home run of the season.
Freshman Cami Williams has returned to playing shortstop for Baker after recently healing from a slipped disk injury. She has a batting average of 0.33 after only 16 games of play.
Ford said Williams has been proving herself, especially after for coming off an injury.
“She’s behind obviously in games and experience, and we’re still trying to figure out her tendencies and things like that, but she’s doing well,” Windle said.
The freshmen on the team have been key players in the team’s success this season.
Freshman Renata Dill has four home runs this season, and freshmen pitchers Maggie Holmberg and Erin Greenwood have led the Wildcat pitching staff so far.
“Maggie (Holmberg) has been pitching her butt off, and everyone that is in the hitting lineup is doing her job, and that’s what’s great, and it’s helping us win games,” Dill said.
Holmberg leads the team with eight wins and an ERA of 1.61 on the season. Greenwood is also a top pitcher for Baker with six wins and 67 innings pitched.
“I think our pitching has definitely carried us though conference,” senior Katie Worley said. “Stringing hits together has helped a lot, too.”
Despite the Wildcats’ winning record, Windle said there is always room for improvement.
“First and foremost, we’ve got to stop being afraid of the ball,” Windle said. “I think that’s our No. 1 issue.”
Baker’s next games will be again Williams Woods University at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Friday at Cavaness Field.
The Wildcats play again at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday against Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.
The Lions are undefeated in the conference, but have only played four games. Lindenwood’s doubleheader with Avila Saturday was postponed.
Lindenwood was ranked first in the conference as of Wednesday, which makes Sunday’s matchup with the Wildcats determine if Lindenwood will continue to lead in the conference or if Baker will steal first place from the Lions.
