Cloquet Opens Playoffs With A 12-0 Win Behind Rodd’s No-Hitter

May 24

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Signs were everywhere that the Cloquet softball team would have a big game against Crosby-Ironton in Tuesday’s opening round game. The Jacks were facing a team that struggled through the regular season and Cloquet was well-rested and ready as they pounded the Rangers 12-0 behind a no-hitter by Denise Rodd.

After mowing down the Rangers in the first inning the Jacks got things started early when Dalyce Gustafson belted a leadoff inside the park homer that got by the left fielder. That at bat set the tempo for the rest of the game.

Cloquet only managed one run in the first inning, but they stepped things up in the second and third innings to put the game away early as they led it 9-0 after three innings.

On her part Rodd nearly pitched a perfect game as she faced only one batter over the five-inning minimum when she walked a batter in the third inning.

The Jacks also got solid games at the plate from Lizz Jezierski and Alyssa Michaelson who each had a pair of RBIs.

Cloquet will now play on Thursday at home against Greenway which was an 11-7 winner over Hibbing.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com