Area notebook: Klein ends career at Division III championship

The Gustavus Adolphus softball team recently saw its season come to a close, as it fell to Coe College 4-2 to take third place in the NCAA Division III Championships. The Gusties turned in their first ever 40-win campaign, posting a 42-9 overall record.

In their season-ending loss two weeks ago, Gustavus let the opposition score a couple of runs to break the 2-2 tie in the fifth inning. Gustavus threatened in the final inning, leaving the bases loaded, but was unable to find the big hit. Red Wing’s Emily Klein went 1-for-3 in the loss, while scoring a run. The center fielder accounted for all the team’s runs, as she recorded an RBI single in the third inning, stole second and third base, and scored on a throwing error by Coe College.

The Gusties began the tournament by defeating Texas-Tyler 5-1, while Klein recorded a hit and a run in the contest.

Their second game, against Messiah College, was a pitcher’s duel, and Messiah came out on top 2-0 as the Gusties only managed two hits off of starting pitcher Jessica Rhoads. Rhoads went 28-1 on the season with a miniscule 0.49 ERA. The freshman also had 15 shutouts, and was a big factor in Messiah running away with the title.

Gustavus then went on to win its next game against Salisbury 10-4. Klein didn’t record a hit, but scored a couple of runs in the win.

The Gusties’ next game against Tufts, which determined whether or not they advanced to the Final Three, went in Gustavus’ favor. The Gusties shutout Tufts 5-0, and Klein went 2-for-3 with two runs scored. She put the Gusties on the board first with an RBI single in the first inning. She then stole second and third, and scored on a sacrifice bunt.

Klein finished off her Gustavus softball career in high fashion. The Red Wing High School grad finished her senior season with a .359 batting average, led the team in at bats (156), runs (53), doubles (16), triples (6) and stolen bases (29). She got caught stealing only once in the 51-game season.

She also hit 10 home runs, good for second on the team, and drove in 38 RBI.

• Red Wing’s Adam Thygesen and the Southwest Minnesota State University baseball team made its first-ever NCAA Division II Tournament appearance this year, but fell to California State-Pueblo 15-14 on May 16 in the season finale.

The Mustangs actually led 14-8 in the eighth inning, but allowed Cal-State Pueblo to rally and come away with the victory. Pueblo scored two runs in the ninth inning with two outs.

In SMSU’s other NCAA Regional games, they beat rival Minnesota State Mankato 11-3, but were blown out by Wayne State 28-12.

SMSU finished the year 28-15 overall, including a 14-10 mark in conference play.

• Charlie Ruud, of Cannon Falls, has started the 2009 St. Paul Saints season strong, posting a 2-1 record with a 4.00 ERA. In the four games he has started, he has amassed 18 innings pitched. Ruud has 14 strikeouts with only four walks.

The Saints currently sit in second place in the North Division of the Independent League at 8-8. They trail Wichita (11-5).

Tags: sports notebook, baseball, softball