The Marion softball team split a doubleheader with Dyersville Beckman in its home opener Thursday night, showcasing both offensive and defensive talents.

After a defensive-minded pitchers duel went Beckman’s way the first game, 2-1, Marion brought the bats out during the second game and won handily, 12-2.

The first game included great pitching performances from Beckman’s Abby Fitzgerald and Marion’s Mikayla Goematt. Fitzgerald allowed one run on four hits while striking out eight.

Marion plated one runner in the first inning, but Fitzgerald was able to hold them there the rest of the game. For Marion, Goematt had a strong outing as well, holding Beckman to four hits and two runs.

With the score knotted 1-1 in the sixth inning, Beckman found a slight gap in Goematt’s armor and notched a single followed by an RBI double.

Marion Coach Kim Knapp was pleased with how her team played, but called for better execution.

“They ended up getting a key hit when they needed it, to score that winning run," Knapp said. “We couldn’t execute and when we learn to get our bunts down and execute then we will be fine, but we are super young and we have a lot to learn.”

The second game saw a little more thunder from Marion’s batting lineup as the Indians scored 12 runs and ended the game in the fourth inning due to a mercy rule.

Everyone joined in on the fun as Michalyn Moore had three RBIs and Amanda Sam, Haley Vanourny and Kaitlyn Nathem each had two RBIs.

Knapp thought the second-game explosion had more to it than just mechanics. “I think a lot of it just has to do with their drive and their work ethic," she said. "They are kids that like to work hard.”

Hard work will be needed as the Indians' schedule hits full tilt and competition tightens. Knapp felt this was a good first step, and looks for her team to keep improving in the near future.

“Our pitchers need to throw as well as they did today, keep throwing well and hitting their spots and if our defense holds up, and we get our bats awake, we will be fine,” she said.

GAME 1

BECKMAN (2)
Willenbrink, cf, 3 1 1 0, Wilhelm, lf, 3 1 1 0, Fitzgerald, rf, 3 0 1 1, Vatzge, 3b, 3 0 1 1, Lansing, 1b, 3 0 0 0, Staeger, ss, 3 0 0 0, Abby Fitzgerald, p, 3 0 0 0, Conrad, c, 3 0 0 0, Hall, 2b, 2 0 0 0. Totals 26 2 4 2.

MARION (1)
Leah Smith, ss, 3 1 1 0, Allison Scott, rf, 3 0 0 0, Beth Knapp, 1b, 3 0 1 0, Paige Perkins, c, 3 0 1 0, Michalyn Moore, lf, 3 0 0 0, Amanda Sam, 2b, 3 0 0 0, Haley Vanourny, 3b, 3 0 0 0, Mikayla Goematt, p, 2 0 0 0, Abby Phillips, cf, 2 0 1 0. Totals 25 1 4 0.

GAME 2

BECKMAN (2)
Lansing, lf, 2 1 0 0, Wilhelm, cf, 2 0 1 0, Elgin, 3b, 2 0 1 0, Fitzgerald, rf, 2 0 0 0, Hersen, c, 2 0 0 0, Brempt, ss, 2 1 2 0, Vockingston, p, 2 0 0 0, Conrad, 1b, 2 0 1 0, Blynel, 2b, 2 0 0 0. Totals 18 2 5 0.

MARION (12)
Abby Phillips, cf, 4 2 4 0, Lauren Rausch, 3b, 4 0 0 0, Amanda Sam, rf, 4 1 1 2, Michalyn Moore, ss, 4 2 2 3, Emily Banes, c, 3 1 2 1, Bailey Bacon, lf, 3 1 1 1, Haley Vanourny, p, 3 2 3 2, Kaitlyn Nathem, 2b, 3 1 1 2.