Saluki softball turned in a Jekyl and Hyde type performance in their first mid-week matchup of the season.

The Salukis (13-12) traveled to Saint Louis University (14-11) Tuesday for a doubleheader against the Billikens. The Salukis came into the games riding their first three-game winning streak this season after sweeping Drake University last weekend.

In game one, both teams sent their aces to the circle.

SIU started junior pitcher Katie Bertelsen, who boasts a 1.29 ERA over her last 21.2 innings pitched. SLU countered with Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Week sophomore Brianna Lore, who entered the game with a record of 10-7 and a 3.03 ERA.

The game turned into a pitching duel and remained scoreless until the bottom of the fifth inning when Bertelsen gave up a double to Lore. The Billikens pinch ran for Lore and on the next at-bat SLU scored the run from second to give themselves a 1-0 lead. The one-run lead gave the Billikens their first win over the Dawgs in 12 meetings.

Bertelsen pitched well in the loss, only giving up four hits and the one run. Unfortunately for the Salukis, Lore pitched better. The sophomore pitcher shut down the Saluki batters completely, throwing a no-hitter.

SIU softball coach Kerri Blaylock said both pitchers had some of their best performances to date.

“[Lore] was tough,” she said. “She probably threw as tough against us as anybody we’ve faced … she threw pretty well, but I thought Bertie matched her. Bertie threw another great game.”

In game two, the Salukis reverted to their usual ways with an offensive outburst.

SIU opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when freshman pitcher Shaye Harre continued to build upon her already impressive RBI total with a three-run double to give her 29 RBIs on the season.

The Billikens scored one run in the bottom of the first, then SIU answered back with two runs of its own in the top of the second inning when junior Kalyn Harker hit a double to left-center field that scored two to make the score 5-1.

Both pitchers were able to hold the opposing lineup in check until freshman Merri Anne Patterson recorded the first two RBIs of her career to make the score 7-2.

The Salukis scored two more runs in the next inning off of another hit by Harker, this time a two RBI single to right field to make the score 9-2. Harker would finish the game 3-4 with four RBIs.

Harker said a major part of her success today stemmed from her resolve at the plate.

“I just relaxed more at the plate and tried not to think as much,” she said. “I get in trouble the most when I over-think things at the plate.”

Orsburn continued her strong run of pitching in game two. Orsburn entered in the second inning after Shaye Harre allowed two runs in one inning pitched. Orsburn only allowed one run on five hits over six innings in the 9-3 win, the second of her career. In Orsburn’s last three appearances, she has only allowed one run in 13.1 innings pitched with five strikeouts.

Orsburn said she felt really good in her game against SLU.

“My drop ball is working really good right now and my changeup started to work today,” she said. “I think it’s just knowing to go in and do what I’m supposed to do and being able to come through and help the team out.”

SIU’s next set of games will come on the road in a three-game series against Missouri Valley Conference foe Missouri State University (18-10) Saturday and Sunday.

Tony McDaniel can be reached at [email protected], @tonymcdanielDE or at 536-3311 ext. 282