The Wheaton softball team has been hard at work this spring, having played 28 games since their season opener in March. Unfortunately, that hard work has yet to pay off. With a dismal record of 5-23, only 5 teams stand between the Thunder and the end of their season. Like the rest of Wheaton’s students, the team is facing their final stretch of the year.
On April 13, the Thunder travelled into Chicago to face off against the University of Chicago Maroons for a double-header. The Maroons bested the Thunder 8-1 in the opener. The Maroons scored eight runs on 15 hits, with one error. Wheaton, on the other hand, had one run on three hits, with no errors. The Thunder’s starting pitcher was junior Kendall Kehres. During her six innings, Kehres gave the Maroons all eight of their runs and hits, in addition to two walks and two strikeouts.
For the second game of the afternoon, Wheaton fell to Chicago 2-1. The Thunder struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning. The Maroons scored two runs in the bottom of the second, with each team remaining scoreless for the rest of the games. The Thunder switched their starting pitcher to Jaclyn McLean. The sophomore allowed two runs on four hits. The Thunder managed to get one run on three hits.
On this season’s tough losses, McLean explained, “We have hit rough patches along the way just from being a small young team.” McLean does hold hope for the rest of the season, believing that the Thunder can at least split the rest of their games.
April 18, the Thunder split their doubleheader against Carroll. Game one went to the Pioneers with a score of 11-1. Carroll had 11 runs on 13 hits, while the Thunder had only one run on two hits. McLean pitched for the Thunder, losing the game in four innings. Game two went to the Thunder 6-3, however. Kehres pitched all nine innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Wheaton scored their six runs on seven hits. In the bottom of the ninth, sophomore Kelly Thornton hit a game-winning three-run homer to give the Thunder an exciting victory.
Wheaton will be at home April 25 in a doubleheader against Elmhurst at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.