Wildcats Blast Past Toledo for 11-2 Win at Hoosier Classic

3/16/2019 12:08:00 PM | Softball

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Northwestern climbed past Toledo, 11-2, on Saturday morning in game one of the Hoosier Classic in an all-around effort.

Senior Kaley Winegarner turned in her best outing of the season, throwing 5.0 innings and striking out a career-high eight, while allowing three hits, two walks and two runs. She was credited with her first win of the season.

The Wildcats' offensive outburst was fueled by senior Morgan Nelson, who produced a season-high four RBI with two hits, a double and a triple, and two walks in five plate appearances.

First year Nikki Cuchran added three RBI of her own, coming on a home run to right center in the third inning. Cuchran launched her second home run of the season and brought her RBI total to 17, the second-best tally on the team.

Junior Morgan Newport continued her steady pace at the plate this season, going 2-3 with two RBI to bring her season-average up to .347. She also pitched the final 2.0 innings of the game, allowing just one hit while striking out two to seal the deal.

The #B1GCats improved to 18-6 on the season ahead of their final 'non-conference' matchup later on Saturday against the hosting Indiana.

Winegarner settled in the circle early and traded scoreless innings with the Rockets' pitcher until the third. Sophomore Rachel Lewis slugged a one-out double to left center, which Morgan Nelson followed up with a walk. After Maeve Nelson reached base on a fielder's choice, Cuchran stepped up in a big spot with two outs. The first-year sailed a ball clean over the right field fence for a home run to give the 'Cats a 3-0 lead.

Northwestern tacked two more on two innings later in the fifth after a Morgan Nelson worked a leadoff walk and Cuchran was hit by a pitch. Newport capitalized with a one-out single through the left side to extend the lead to 5-0.

The Wildcats made it six in the sixth inning with back-to-back doubles from the top of the lineup in Lewis and Mo. Nelson. Winegarner exited in the bottom half of the inning for Newport and the 'Cats headed to the seventh with a 6-2 lead.

NU saved its best offense for last, putting up five runs in the top of the seventh. After singles from Newport and Lily Novak, first year Skyler Shellmyer earned an RBI, her second of the season with a single to left. Lewis walked to load the bases and Morgan Nelson capped off her fantastic morning with a bases clearing triple to right field. She would later score on a wild pitch, leaving the Rockets on the wrong end of an 11-2 scoreline.

The #B1GCats are now outscoring opponents 21-2 in the seventh inning this season.

Chicago's Big Ten Team is back in action for the second half of a doubleheader at 2 p.m. against No. 19 Indiana. The game will be streamed on BTN Plus on BTN2GO.

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