Blooming Prairie combined steady pitching with hot hitting to win their first home game of the season last night against Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in their first conference match up of the season.

Andrea Miller pitched her first game of the season, going all five innings, allowing only seven hits for 10 runs. She struck out one and walked eight, while allowing six earned runs.

"I'm pleased with Andrea's performance tonight," said Blossom coach Chad Gimbel, "she really stepped up and pitched a good game."

Rachel Stenzel led the solid hitting performance, batting 3-5, with two doubles, three runs, and six runs batted in. Stenzel contributed two key at bats for the Lady Blossoms to help spark the awesome offensive hitting performance. In the first inning, Stenzel scored two runs with a solid base hit and she cleared the bases with a double to make the score 5-0 after the second inning.

Kristi Schwake hit 4-4 with two doubles, three runs, one walk, and 2 RBIs. Abbey Bergstrom went 3-5 with a double and three RBIs. Maggie Romeo also went 3-5 with two runs and three stolen bases. Amber Vogt batted 2-4 for three runs and one stolen base.

"I'm really proud of the girls hitting tonight," Coach Gimbel said. "We swung the bat with more confidence tonight, but we need to improve our defensive play."

Last night's win improved Blooming Prairie's overall record to 1-1 and 1-0 in the Gopher Conference. Their next game will be on Friday afternoon in Dodge Center against Triton at 4:30 pm.

Linescores:

BPHS29162--20197

WEM00541--1078

WP Andrea Miller (1-0), LP Amy Barker (0-1). 2B -- Schwake 2, Stenzel 2, Bergstrom. SB -- Romeo 3, Vogt.

Call Gene Cox at 434-2234 or e-mail him at :mailto:sports@austindailyherald.com.