Armbruster Fans 33, Van Ryn Clubs Homer in Marathon Faribault Win

Faribault Falcon battery mates McKayla Armbruster and Abby Van Ryn stopped by the Faribault KFC today to give us details about their incredible 15 inning 3-1 victory over Rochester John Marshall Friday night.  Earlier in the week the Falcons defeated state ranked Winona 3-2 in 11 innings.  Faribault remains undefeated.

The game was played in Rochester where it was getting dark as the game was finishing on the John Marshall softball field behind the school.  Armbruster threw over 165 pitches striking out 33 Rockets batters and told us she didn't feel tired.  Van Ryn led the top of the 15th inning with a solo shot to give the Falcons the lead. They were able to push over another insurance run.

Faribault collected 11 hits in the game.  The senior pitcher and catcher know they are getting every team's best game because of their state title last year.  By the way the state record for strikeouts in a high school fastpitch game is 41 in a 19 inning affair.  In 2009 Felicia Meyer of Winona Cotter/Hope Lutheran set the record against Houston.  Armbruster told us she has never had that many strikeouts in a game at any level.

The Rockets only run was a solo homer in the third inning off the bat of freshman Claire Evans. John Marshall had 7 hits over the 15 innings.  Rockets sophomore pitcher Abby Miles struck out 12 and walked 3.  Armbruster had no walks.  Van Ryn called every pitch in the game.  Armbruster shook her off one time.

Lexi Velander smacked three hits for the Falcons including a double.  Van Ryn finished with two hits.  Armbruster clubbed a RBI double.

Faribault has two tough home games next week.  Tuesday they host Mankato East and Thursday Mankato West.  The Scarlets are the top ranked team in Class 3A, Faribault is rated #2 in the coaches poll.  Those two teams are also the last two state champions in Class 3A.  Both games will be on POWER 96 Radio with coverage starting at 4:45 p.m.

Northfield is now ranked #3, Winona #5.  Mankato East is in the others receiving votes category.