The Kimball ?Äúcome-back kids?Äù did it again, as they topped Browerville, 18-12, in a wild affair at the friendly confines Friday, May 2. The Cubs surrendered three Tiger runs, on three boots and a Kale Knutson long ball, in inning number two. But the Browerville lead was short-lived, when Alexis Rose pounded a grand slam, en route to a Kimball six-run tally in the bottom half. Following another error, Kimball handed the Tigers the lead again in the fourth. The Cubs answered with a run, putting them behind by just one after four complete. Emily Utecht then struck out the side in the fifth inning, and Kimball rallied in the bottom half, to take the lead, 9-8. However, another costly error in the ensuing inning allowed Browerville to stay alive, posting four runs and forcing pitcher Emily Utecht out of the game. Utecht was replaced by veteran Alexis Rose, who put out the fire and got the Cubs out of a mess. The sixth inning would be Browerville?Äôs Waterloo, as Kimball went on a nine-run terror, with five hits, seven walks, and a hit batter. Rose crushed the Tigers?Äô hopes of coming back, when she struck out Caitlin Robak to end the game. The Cubs now stand at 6-1 overall and a very respectable 4-1 in conference play.
Game one highlights: Maddison Libbesmeier, 5 for 5, 3 runs scored, 2 RBI; Shay Krippner, 2 for 5, run scored, RBI; Becky Holtz, 2 for 4, 2 runs scored; Maddy Schreifels, 1 for 3, 2 runs scored; Alexis Rose, 1 for 2, Grand Slam, 5 RBI, 4 walks. Emily Utecht got the starting pitching duties, fanning five, and Alexis Rose picked up the win in relief. Displaying plenty of patience, and keen vision, a remarkable
18 Cubs?Äô hitters reached base via the walk.