Ewert blasts sixth home run in win

Sophomore Tessa Ewert already broke the school record with home runs in a season more than a week ago — now she’s gunning for the state lead.

Ewert, who hit a solo home run in a win Monday and topped that Wednesday with a three-run blast in a win over Shakopee, currently is tied with Megan Matson of Orono with the state lead of six home runs.

With runners on first and second courtesy of singles from Sammy Trick and Laura Carlson, Ewert gave the Tigers a 3-0 cushion with a shot over the fence in the first inning Tuesday.

The home run was the second off Shakopee freshman star Ashley Walker this season for Ewert.

“She hit it into the power alley — I’d say at least 240 feet,” Tigers assistant coach Tim Carroll said. “It was one of those where you know it's gone.”

Hutchinson (8-10) added a fourth run three innings later. With Sarah Gensmer on third base following a double, Trick stole second base — on the throw Gensmer took the plate for the run.

Senior pitcher Lynn Wegner made the lead last for her sixth win of the season. She allowed single runs in the final three innings, leaving the tying run on first base in the seventh inning.

“Gensmer made the play of the season. The girl hit a shot to her left — Sarah dove for it and I thought it had gotten by her. Instead, she gets up and fires to first for the final out,” Carroll said.

Wegner, who has won four of the last five games, has been on a roll of late, allowing only seven runs in the past four games.

“The big key is that she’s not walking many batters. She’s also keeping the ball low in the zone and mixing up her pitches better now,” Carroll said.

Hutchinson concludes the regular season with a game at New Prague at 4:15 p.m. Thursday.

Eric Kraushar is the sports editor at the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sports@hutchinsonleader.com.