CHICAGO, Ill. — The University of Chicago used a pair of home runs to power its way to a nonconference doubleheader sweep of Lawrence University on Saturday at Stagg Field.
Vicky Tomaka hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to help the Maroons (11-5) win the opener 3-2, and Kaitlyn Carpenter hit a three-run inside-the-park homer in Chicago’s 6-2 victory in the nightcap.
Lawrence (8-6) managed only three hits in the opener, but the Vikings scratched out a run in the second to tie the game at 1-1. The Vikings loaded the based in the second on a pair of walks and Cory Paquette’s single. Katie Schumacher was then hit with a pitch to force Alissa Geipel home and tie the game.
The Vikings took the lead with a run in the sixth. Anna Wawiorka led off with a double and moved to third on a bunt. Wawiorka scored on Taylor Dodson’s ground ball, and Lawrence led 2-1.
The Maroons started the winning rally in the bottom of the seventh with a one-out infield single. Tomaka then homered off Lawrence starter Shannon Murray to win it. Murray allowed six hits, struck out two and did not walk a batter.
In the nightcap, Lawrence took a 2-1 lead in the top of the second after Wawiorka started the rally with a single. After Alex Chiodo’s bunt single, Wawiorka scored on Dodson’s bunt single. A throwing error then allowed Chiodo to score and Lawrence had the lead.
It didn’t last long as Chicago struck for three runs in the bottom half of the inning. With two runners aboard, Carpenter’s slicing line drive to left field eluded a diving Tierney Duffy and all three runs scored to give Chicago a 4-2 lead. Carpenter went 3-for-4 and drove in four runs.
The Maroons added single runs in the fourth and sixth against Lawrence starter Kara Vance. Vance allowed nine hits, struck out four and walked one.
Cathy Kaye went 2-for-4 to pace Lawrence’s offense.