The Butler Grizzlies moved to within one win from advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament in Yuma, Arizona in two weeks time with a 13-0 victory over the McCook Indians in McCook, Nebraska on Friday in game one of the Plains District best-of-three series.
The Grizzlies started off well, with a three run first inning and never looked back. Madi Young started things off with a triple and she and Ari Cordova were sent home with an Ari Cordova single. The Grizzlies put up four more runs in the third and five in the fifth as they cruised to the victory. Young starred in the victory, finishing with two RBIs and three hits, also scoring three runs. Ari Cordova and Emily Adler also put in multiple RBI efforts, finishing with two as the Grizzlies scored 13 runs on 15 hits, totaling 10 RBIs.
Emma Koeneke improved to 25-1 on the year, pitching a solid three innings allowing just two hits and striking out four batters. Kendal LeGrand and Ariel Matula came into preserve the shutout victory in relief, as the Grizzlies totaled six strikeouts and allowed just three hits.
The Grizzlies record improves to 47-2 on the year, and their winning streak improves to 22 straight victories. The Grizzlies will look to close out the series with a victory in game two, taking place at McCook on Saturday at noon. If the Grizzlies lose, a third and final game would be played immediately after.
