Erica Wenzel knew it was only a matter of time before she broke the Muhlenberg softball program’s all-time record for runs scored.

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Needing to cross the plate two more times entering Thursday’s doubleheader at Swarthmore, the senior co-captain figured it would happen soon. She just didn’t expect the milestone to happen quite like this.

Wenzel matched and broke the record in the same inning, a 10-run third frame in the nightcap that propelled the Mules to a 10-0 victory and a sweep of the twin bill. To the casual observer, Wenzel’s two runs might have seemed like just a footnote in a historic explosion – it was the first time that Muhlenberg posted a 10-run inning in a game in which there was no other scoring.

Indeed, coach Marisa DeStasio informed Wenzel of her accomplishment after the game, but during it she was blissfully unaware of her own piece of history.

“I knew I was somewhere close, but that wasn’t really my priority,” Wenzel said. “That wasn’t something I think about when I’m playing.

“I hadn’t really thought about that, either (both runs coming in the same inning). Now that I do, that’s pretty exciting.”

Thursday’s nightcap was the 134th shutout in program history, and the 34th in which the Mules did all of the game’s scoring in a single inning. The previous high total, however, was only five – in a victory over Franklin & Marshall in 1989. The Mules doubled their pleasure with their first 10-run frame since 2012.

Wenzel began the parade with a single to left center, one of 10 hits for the Mules in the inning – one shy of the school record. She advanced to second on a wild pitch and came around to score on a grand slam by Taylor Trifiolis. That tied the program record set by Devon Barber last year. Wenzel wouldn’t have to wait long to top it.

The Mules sent 15 batters to the plate in the inning, Wenzel’s second turn making her the 11th. With two outs, she worked a walk, then took third on an RBI single by Kelly Kline. Wenzel crossed the plate for the 116th time on a single up the middle by Trifiolis, who she can thank for her record-tying and record-setting runs.

Over the course of her career, Wenzel has certainly had plenty of help.

“We have a very strong team and a lot of good hitters,” Wenzel said. “I owe a lot of my stats to the rest of my team for being able to drive me in. Everyone played a part in that inning.”

Wenzel, who ranks sixth in program history with 143 hits and inside the top 10 in doubles, extra-base hits and total bases, never expected to be setting records at the collegiate level.

“Definitely not,” she admitted. “I was just hoping to play, and play to the best of my abilities.”

To eclipse the mark set by Barber – a teammate and friend for three years – made it that much more special.

“I’m honored that it was Devon,” Wenzel said. “She was a great player, and to have my name up there with hers is really awesome.”

Wenzel, however, may not be out of the woods just yet. Kline, already the all-time leader in home runs, extra-base hits and total bases, is only 14 runs behind and has already clubbed six homers this season. Still, as long as Wenzel keeps getting on base – she’s hitting .410 with a .479 OBP – Kline is likely to bring her home.

“I guess if she does pass me, then good for her,” Wenzel said with a laugh. “She’s been doing really well this year and I hope she continues to do really well. If either of us is scoring it’s good for the team.”