Storm notch close wins over Widener, Lakeland

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Simpson softball team got solid pitching, clutch defensive plays and made the most of six hits on the day in a sweep at the Rebel Spring Games. Simpson beat Widener 3-1 to start the day before getting a dramatic 1-0 win over Lakeland in the nightcap.

The Storm (5-9) have now won three games in a row and 4 of 5 as their Spring Break trip winds to a close. 

Simpson 3, Widener 1
Freshman Madi Bennett drove in two runs on a single in the fourth and Taylor Davis hit a pinch-hit, sacrifice fly in the sixth to give pitcher Madison Rasmusson some insurance. Rasmusson (3-2) scattered eight hits and struck out four, getting out of a big jam in the sixth. 

Widener had runners at second and third with no outs and loaded the bases with one out but couldn't score as Rasmusson induced three fly outs to end the threat. Brooke Brommel doubled twice and scored two runs.

Simpson 1, Lakeland 0
The Storm had to hold on for dear life in the bottom of the seventh. Lakeland put runners on second and third with no outs when head coach Brent Matthias opted for an intentional walk to load the bases. Rasmusson -- making a relief appearance -- got Calie Delsi to fly out to short right for the first out, and a perfect throw home by Paige Lammers kept the tying run at third. The next batter sent a pop up to shallow right as Bennett -- playing second base -- retreated to make a diving catch. Her throw home was not in time, but the runner at third was called out after appeal for not tagging, resulting in the game-ending double play. 

Maggie Long (1-5) earned her first win of the season, allowing just one hit with four strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings. Rasmusson picked up the save and Brommel drove in the only run of the game on a groundout in the top of the first. Kaleigh Snyder scored the run after reaching on a three-base error to lead off the game.

Up Next
Simpson has a pair of games scheduled for Friday, playing Gustavus Adolphus at 8 a.m. CT and Bridgewater (V.A.) at 10:15.