Cedar Rapids, Iowa - The Central Methodist Softball program dropped two games on the second day of the Heart Conference Tournament, falling to Baker by a score of 5-0 and then host school Mount Mercy in an elimination game, 5-2. 

With the two losses, Central was eliminated from the Heart Tournament. 

Game 1: Baker 5 - CMU 0

Baker took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second on an RBI single to right field.

In the bottom of the inning, the Eagles had a chance to even the score with the bases loaded and just one out but weren't able to capitalize.

Baker's pitching held Central hitless in the third, fourth, and fifth innings and their offense struck again, this time in the sixth to double their lead at 2-0

For the third time in the game, CMU had their first run standing at third, but Baker escaped the jam and kept the Eagles off the scoreboard for a sixth consecutive inning.

The Wildcats pushed across three more runs in the top of the seventh to increase their lead to 5-0

The Eagles were down to their final three outs of the ballgame, being retired in order to their first conference tournament loss.

Baker had 11 hits in the victory while CMU only collected three.

Central's starter, Veronica Dearth, threw six and two-thirds innings while giving up four runs on nine hits and striking out seven.

Game 2: MMU 5 - CMU 2

Moving to the elimination side of the bracket, Central plated two runs in the first inning against Mount Mercy

After Joely Crider, Elizabeth Palumbo, and Madison Roberts all reached via walks, Maddie Holly connected on a two-RBI single to give Central a 2-0 lead.

The Mustangs responded with a run in the top of the third to cut the deficit in half.

With the score still 2-1 in favor of Central, the Mustangs were down to their final three outs.

Following back-to-back singles to open up the seventh inning, the Mustangs blasted a three-run home run to claim their first lead of the game at 4-2. 

MMU added one more run on a fielder's choice to extend their lead to 5-2. 

Central was unable to answer in the bottom half of the inning, as Mount Mercy secured the upset win. 

The Mustangs had seven hits to go along with their five runs while CMU had seven hits themselves in two runs scored.

Haley Cotter got the start for the Eagles, pitching six and two thirds innings.

The junior gave up three earned runs, and struck out three batters. 

Up Next:

Central will now shift focus to hosting the NAIA National Tournament from May 12-15 in Fayette, Mo.

CMU will find out its opponents Wednesday, May 7 during the NAIA Selection Show. 

#Take Flight