Columbus, Ga. - The Central Methodist softball team picked up a run-rule victory over the Midland Warriors to continue their run in the NAIA Softball World Series Friday afternoon in Columbus, Georgia.
Central defeated Midland by a final score of 11-3 in six innings, eliminating the Warriors from World Series play.
The Eagles got their first run in the bottom half of the first inning. It came off the bat of Kaysie Jolley, who flew out to center field to bring home Joely Crider from third base.
With the score still 1-0 in the fourth, Midland jumped out in front with a two-RBI single.
Central responded in the bottom half of the inning with two runs of their own, making it a 3-2 ball game.
The back-and-forth action continued in the fifth when the Warriors drew a bases-loaded walk to even up the score.
When the Eagles came up to the plate in the inning, they put up a four-spot to open up the game and take a 7-3 lead.
Jolley led the charge with a three-RBI triple to center field that got Central's offense firing on all cylinders.
In the sixth inning, Central closed the game out, scoring four runs on two hits and one Midland error.
Elizabeth Palumbo was a huge contributor, showcasing her power with a two-run home run to center field. Lauren Hill ended the ballgame after reaching on a Midland error to score both Jolley and Kayla Richardson.
Jolley was Central's most significant presence at the plate, as the junior outfielder went two-for-three with a double, a triple, a walk, four RBI, and three runs scored.
Haley Cotter was the Eagles' starting pitcher, allowing three runs on seven hits in her four innings of work.
Veronica Dearth got credited with the victory in the circle after throwing two innings while giving up no runs, no hits, two walks, and striking out two. She is now 12-2 on the season.
Central will next play No. 2-seeded Georgia Gwinnett in another elimination game on Saturday, May 24, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
The two teams previously met at the 2023 World Series, with the Grizzlies winning 9-7 over the Eagles.
#TakeFlight
