Junior Brianna Chaplin
Junior Brianna Chaplin

Rasmusson, Chaplin help Storm earn split

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Madison Rasmusson pitched a gem in the circle, Brianna Chaplin hit the game-winning home run and the Simpson softball team got a much-needed 3-2 win over Muskingum in the second game of Monday's doubleheader at the Rebel Spring Games. Simpson lost to Thomas More 6-4 in game one.

The Storm (2-8) snapped a six-game losing streak with the win over Muskingum, giving the team some momentum heading into Tuesday's off-day. Simpson's last four games have been decided by two runs or less.

Thomas More 6, Simpson 4
Sammy Sagers and Andrea Gahan drove in a combined four runs as the Saints jumped out to a 6-2 lead after four innings. Simpson rallied with two runs in the fifth, getting an RBI single from Jordan Williamson and a run-scoring fielder's choice by Taylor Davis. But Simpson went down in order in its final two at-bats.

Williamson, Ashley Allen and Kaleigh Snyder had two hits apiece to lead the Storm. Maggie Long (0-4) tossed two innings in the loss, allowing three runs -- all earned. Dallis Knotts went the distance for Thomas More.

Simpson 3, Muskingum 2
Chaplin's solo homer to lead off the fourth inning proved to be the difference in the game as the Storm took a 3-0 lead and fought off a Muskingum rally in the seventh. Simpson scored twice in the first inning, getting some help from an error. Davis drove in a run on a sacrifice fly and Allen brought in Brooke Brommel on a fielder's choice.

Rasmusson cruised through the first six innings, allowing just three hits and retiring 11 straight heading into the seventh. The Muskies finally got to Rasmusson in the their last at-bat, getting three hits, including a two-RBI single by Dakota DeAmicis. With the go-ahead run at the plate, Rasmusson coaxed a pop out to snap Simpson's six-game skid.

Snyder had another two-hit game to lead the Storm. Rasmusson (1-2) fanned two and allowed six hits in the complete-game effort. 

Up Next
Simpson is off Tuesday but returns to action Wednesday against St. Joseph's (8 a.m. CT) and Rhodes (10:15 a.m. CT).