Leonard strikes out 21 in Griffins' sweep of MacMurray

St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne University softball took on MacMurray College in their 2015 home opener at ABC Park last night. The Griffins shutout the Highlanders in both SLIAC contests winning 8-0 in six innings and 3-0 in game two to improve to 6-0 in conference play and 13-9 overall.

Madi Leonard recorded her eighth win on the mound as she pitched all six innings, striking out 11 Highlanders and allowing just one hit. Leonard walked five batters in a tight strikezone by the home plate umpire. The Griffins scored one run each in the second and third innings when Cassi Glixman hit her second home run of the year in the fifth scoring two runs. Sister Danni Glixman almost made it back-to-back Griffin homers as the ball was caught in center field at the fence. Leading 5-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, Fontbonne posted three runs to end the game early. Catcher Emily Smith's double ended the game as she scored the eighth run.

In game two, Leonard got the start again, pitching five innings with 10 strikeouts, four hits and one walk. Fontbonne scored two runs in the second inning on two doubles and a triple. The Griffins' final runner crossed home in the fifth, also on a double. Lindsay Schaefer pitched two innings, recording her second save of the year. Schaefer struck out four of the seven batters she faced, totaling 14 strikeouts for Fontbonne pitchers in the second game alone.

In the sweep, Leonard totaled 21 strikeouts with Fontbonne finishing the night with 25. At the plate, Fontbonne hit six doubles, one home run, one triple and one sacrifice fly.

Softball travels to Iowa Wesleyan Friday for a 1 p.m. matchup.