LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The Central Methodist University softball program stretched its win streak to four after picking up a sweep over the University of St. Mary on Saturday afternoon.
GAME ONE:
The Eagles jumped out to an early lead and held on for an 8-2 triumph to start the day. Kelli Gorman (JR/St. Charles, Mo.) started the process with a two-run homer in the opening frame over the right field fence. Morgan Willis (SR/Carrollton, Mo.) tacked on another run in the third after scampering home on USM's bobble.
The Spires got one run on the board in the bottom of the fourth after launching a shot over the left field fence, but Central responded with a three-run inning in the fifth. The rally was highlighted by an RBI double from Mae Mitchell (SR/Frederick, Colo.) down the right field line.
Both teams plated one run in the sixth frame as a single from Katelyn Kiser (FR/Kansas City, Mo.) scored one and USM brought one runner home on a sacrifice fly. A single to shallow left by Kaylee Parker (FR/Liberty, Mo.) in the seventh inning scored the final run of the game.
Keighlan Cronin (SO/St. Charles, Mo.) earned the win in the circle after tossing seven innings. She punched out ten batters while surrendering just one earned run on four hits.
GAME TWO:
The Eagles jumped out early again in the nightcap when a long ball over the left field fence plated three and a double from Gorman brought in one runner.
USM was able to tie the contest with four unanswered runs over the next three frames, but Central responded in the fourth with another four-run inning that was sparked by Willis' double RBI. Teams continued to trade runs through the final three innings, but a pair of runs in the top of the seventh secured the win for the Eagles.
Hannah Marshall (FR/Marshall, Mo.) recorded the win after tossing the final four innings of the contest. She surrendered five runs on six hits while striking out four batters.
UP NEXT:
The Eagles will head south for the Gulf Shores Invitational next weekend. They will play two games each day on March 6th, 7th, and 8th.
