Fayette, Mo. - The No. 6 Central Methodist Softball team began Heart of America play with authority, sweeping their conference opening doubleheader against MidAmerica Nazarene Saturay afternoon at Cox Softball Complex.
Central defeated MNU in game one in five innings, 10-2, before securing a 12-6 win the finale.
The Eagles now stand at 18-4 and 2-0 in the Heart of America, while MNU falls to 7-17 and 0-4 in conference action.
In between games, Central recognized Head Coach Pat Reardon for securing his 1,000th career win earlier this month.
Game 1: No. 6 CMU 10 - MNU 2
The Pioneers struck first, putting up two runs in the top of the second off a double to right center field.
The Eagles responded in the fourth inning, tying things up with a Daly Garland two-run homerun.
Elizabeth Palumbo continued to showcase Central's offensive power with two-run home run, giving CMU a 4-2 lead heading into the fifth.
Central scored five runs on four home runs in the fifth to secure a 10-2 run-rule victory.
Lauren Hill, Joely Crider, Elizabeth Palumbo, and Madison Roberts all hit home runs in the final inning.
All 10 of Central's runs were scored via home runs.
Haley Cotter got the win in the circle, throwing five innings while allowing just two runs on five base hits while striking out two.
Game 2: No. 6 CMU 12 - MNU 6
The Eagles carried their offensive presence into game two, scoring six runs in the first inning.
Roberts got the scoring started with an RBI-double to left center field.
With Central up by one, CMU connected on three singles and drew a bases loaded walk to push their lead to 5-0.
After allowing no runs in the bottom half, Central tallied on four more in the second with Roberts driving in her third RBI of the game.
The Pioneers got one back in the third with a solo blast to center field.
Hill helped put CMU on the scoreboard for the third straight inning, getting a single past the infield. Jolley would score on the play after a throwing error by the Pioneers' shortstop.
MidAmerica responded with a grand slam in the fifth inning followed by one more run in the sixth to make it an 11-6 contest.
Kendall Miller squared off a double to left center to bring home Crider for the 12th and final run of the game for CMU.
Cassidy Brent was the winning pitcher in the 12-6 victory, securing her fifth victory of the year.
After Khloe Perkins retired one batter, Veronica Dearth took care of the rest, allowing one hit and striking out one in almost two full innings of work.
Up Next:
Central closes out the weekend with a Sunday doubleheader against Graceland Sunday, March 23. First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 p.m.
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