The Dowagiac softball team tuned up for Saturday’s Division 2 District by sweeping visiting Otsego Tuesday.

The Chieftains improved to 24-11 with 10-0 and 14-3 wins over the Bulldogs.

Dowagiac had nine hits in the first game, led by senior Emily Roach, who was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. Marissa Dodd also doubled.

Sabrina Ruiz went the distance, tossing a two-hitter with four strikeouts and no walks.

In the nightcap, the Chieftains scored 14 runs on 15 hits.

Kourtney Mitchell was 4-for-5 with a double, a home run and three RBIs.

Taylor Hulett, who was the winning pitcher, Mickie Kiggins and McKenzie Herter all had two hits. Hulett had a pair of doubles and drove in four runs. Kiggins drove in a pair of runs.

“Tonight was a great Senior Night for our two seniors, Amanda Craft and Emily Roach,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke said. “We picked up two victories in their last home games and Amanda did something I don’t think any other Dowagiac softball player has done — played all nine positions in one game.

“Tonight was just a tune up for districts on Saturday.  We have to get focused the next three days at practice and come out mentally and physically ready versus Niles on Saturday.”

 

First game

Otsego                        000     00 – 0 2 3

Dowagiac                  042     31 – 10 9 0

Sabrina Ruiz (W, 10-6) and Kourtney Mitchell; K. Laduke (L) and G. Barbato

2B: Marissa Dodd (D), Emily Roach (D)

 

Second game

Dowagiac                  084     000     2 – 14 15 3

Otsego                        003     000     0 – 3 6 2

Taylor Hulett (W, 12-4), Amanda Craft (7) and Kourtney Mitchell

2B: Hulett (D) 2, Mitchell (D)

HR: Mitchell (D)

Varsity record: Dowagiac 24-11