WWU scores record 14 runs in first inning of 18-2 win over Fort Lewis

Vikings have 19 hits, 12 in opening frame at MSUB Desert Stinger

Alexie Levin

Feb. 8, 2013

Box Score

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Western Washington University set a school record for runs in an inning by scoring 14 in the top half of the first inning as the Vikings defeated Fort Lewis CO, 18-2, in a game that ended after five innings because of the eight-run mercy rule in first-day action Friday at the fourth annual Montana State University Billings Desert Stinger being held at Majestic Park.

The Vikings, who improved to 4-5, had 12 hits in the 14-run explosion that lasted 30 minutes. There were also two walks, one wild pitch and three FLC errors.

The previous WWU record for runs in an inning was 11, which happened twice in 2002. It was the season opener for Fort Lewis CO, which won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament and reached the NCAA Division II playoffs last year. The Skyhawks scored their two runs in the bottom of the fifth.

WWU scored 11 runs before the first out was recorded in the first, sending 18 batters to the plate. Pitcher Alexie Levin (Fr., Everett) opened the scoring with a two-run double. She finished 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and two runs scored.

Levin allowed just two singles in three innings pitched, recording her second win in four decisions.

WWU's 18 runs was one shy of the school record set in 2002 against Central Washington and the Viking' 19 hits were two short of the school mark set in 2009 versus Northwest Nazarene.

Also having two hits for WWU, besides Levin, were Kristen Allen (Sr., Arlington), Jordan Walley (Maple Valley/Tahoma), Jackie Rothenberger (Sr., Coquitlam, B.C.), Haylee Baker (Jr., Poulsbo/Bainbridge) and Meghan Carrillo (Jr., Prunedale, CA/North Monterey County).

In the second, Walley hit her second home run of the season, a solo shot over the centerfield fence. The Vikings also scored three runs in the fifth. WWU plays Colorado-Colorado Springs today at 2 p.m.

On Saturday, WWU meets Chadron State NE at 11:30 a.m. and Grand Canyon AZ at 4:30 p.m., and on Sunday the Vikings face Black Hills State SD at 2 p.m.

The Desert Stinger is the largest Division II tournament hosted by a single institution.