The Anoka-Ramsey Golden Rams returned to M Health Fairview Dome in Blaine on Friday, sweeping their games against Central Lakes, Rainy River, and Ridgewater College 3-0.
The Golden Rams started early, with first pitch against Central Lakes at 7:30AM. The Golden Rams got off to a slow start, going down 3-0 in the third inning before ultimately battling back, scoring five runs in the fifth inning and four in the 6th inning. Molly Gross was extremely effective as the starting pitcher, recording 13 strikeouts in 25 attempts while allowing just four hits. She completed the last 2 ⅓ innings with seven straight strikeouts. She improves to 3-2 on the year with the win. The Golden Rams exploded at the plate in the 5th inning, scoring five runs. Emma Bright was a perfect 4-4 at the plate. Hailey Babcock was 2-4, recording four RBIs. Lyla Galli went yard again, going 2-4 with a double, home run, and three RBIs. The Golden Rams ultimately defeated Central Lakes College Brainerd 10-3, and improved to 7-8 on the year.
The second game of the morning saw the Golden Rams take on Rainy River. The Golden Rams continued their momentum from the first game, scoring early and often, ultimately building a 9-0 lead by just the 3rd inning. Starting pitcher Lyla Galli worked quickly in this game, striking out eight while allowing just three hits. She improves to 2-4 on the year with the win. The Golden Rams stayed hot at the plate, recording 17 hits in just five innings. Emma Bright impressed once again, as she stayed perfect at the plate, going 2-2 while stealing three bases. Sunny Strait was 2-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Lyla Galli stayed hot at the plate, going 3-4 with a double and two RBIs. Kayla McHugo was 2-3 with an inside the park HR and four RBIs. Marissa Kerry was 3-4 with an RBI. Maddie Bottineau was also 2-3, recording an RBI. The Golden Rams would go on to win this one, racking up 13 runs with ease. The Golden Rams defeated Rainy River by a final score of 13-0 in five innings. Following their win, the Golden Rams improved to 500 on the year, evening their record at 8-8.
The final game saw the Golden Rams take on Ridgewater College. The Golden Rams breezed through the game, scoring six runs by the 2nd inning before exploding in the 3rd inning for eleven more runs. Starting pitcher Sunny Strait was effective, striking out three while allowing only four hits. The Golden Rams impressed at the plate throughout the game. Sunny Strait was 3-4 with a double, two home runs, and six RBIs. Lyla Galli was 2-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Brooke Weyland was 3-3 with a stolen base and three RBIs. Emma Bright stayed hot, going 2-3 with a double, stolen base, and RBI. Molly Gross and Marissa Kerry were both 2-3 at the plate. The Golden Rams would cruise to victory, defeating Ridgewater College 18-2 in five innings. The Golden Rams improved to 9-8 after their win.
The Golden Rams finished the day 3-0 in impressive fashion, with all of their wins being big, blowout wins. Friday concluded the Golden Rams games in the M Healthy Fairview Dome. Anoka-Ramsey is next in action on Friday, April 1st, as they begin the RCTC Crossover tournament in Rochester. Coach Dave Alito was impressed with the team's three pitchers, whom he noted gave up zero earned runs, only allowed 11 hits in three games, and struck out 24 batters. He was also impressed with the offense, noting that they scored 42 runs on 49 hits.
-Story written by Nick Balmanno, Athletics Intern