Softball Recap: Melrose Drops Highest Score of Season Against Benson

Winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Melrose). Their pitcher stepped up to hand Benson a 21-0 shutout on Tuesday. With that victory, the Dutchmen brought their scoring average up to 6.7 runs per game.

Ellie Grieve made a splash while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out six over four innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 12 consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with three runs, four RBI, and one double. Those four RBI gave her a new career-high.

In other batting news, Jaelyn Mayers and Shantel Gruber did most of the damage at the plate: Mayers went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI, while Gruber got on base in all five of her plate appearances with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. Those three runs gave Mayers a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Raelyn Frieler, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with three runs, two RBI, and one double.

Melrose kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 19 hits. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their hit total in three consecutive games.

Melrose's record now sits at 14-3. As for Benson, they are on a seven-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-10.

Looking ahead, Melrose will be playing in front of their home fans against Osakis at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. As for Benson, they are taking a road trip to face off against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The Thunder have struggled to contain batters this season (they've allowed 10.44 runs per game on average), something Benson will no doubt try to take advantage of.