Ricki Rothbauer’s single gave NKU the sweep

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Ricki Rothbauer’s opposite-field single with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning drove in Katybeth Coode with the winning run as Northern Kentucky University defeated Bellarmine, 5-4, in the second game of a doubleheader on Tuesday.

Coode drew a one-out walk to begin the rally, and she advanced to second when Kara Lorenz reached on an error. A wild pitch by Bellarmine’s Laura Wolfe advanced both runners with Rothbauer at the plate with two outs.

Rothbauer then lined a 3-2 pitch to left field for a single that scored Coode with the winning run.

NKU sophomore catcher Sarah King was 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles for the Norse, who improved to 25-13 overall, 9-7 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Norse rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the fifth inning by plating three runs, setting the stage for Rothbauer’s seventh-inning heroics.

In the opener, Rothbauer was 2-for-3 with three RBI as NKU posted a 9-1 victory. Cara Parker was 3-for-3 and scored twice for the Norse, while Rachele Vogelpohl went 2-for-2 and scored two runs.

Freshman pitcher Amanda Smith recorded wins in both games for NKU to improve her record to 14-6 this season.

NKU will hit the road this weekend for a tournament in Dahlonega, Ga. The Norse will meet both North Georgia and Valdosta State on Friday.

GAME 1 BOX SCORE

GAME 2 BOX SCORE