Columbia, Mo. — No. 17 Central Methodist split a Wednesday afternoon doubleheader with Columbia College, taking game one 2-1 before falling 3-2 in a walk-off finish in game two.

The split moves the Eagles to 20-9 overall on the season.

Game 1: No. 17 Central Methodist 2 - Columbia 1

Behind a complete-game effort from Karlie Barnum, Central edged Columbia in a tightly contested opener.

Barnum improved to 10-0 on the season, allowing just one run on nine hits while striking out three across seven innings.

The Eagles broke through in the second inning when Emma King roped an RBI double to right-center, scoring Maddie Holly for a 1-0 lead. Central added what proved to be the game-winning run in the fourth, as Kinlei Boley drove in Holly on a fielder's choice to make it 2-0.

Holly led the offense with a perfect three-for-three performance and scored both runs, while King added two hits and an RBI.

Columbia threatened late, scoring on a fielder's choice in the seventh, but Barnum shut the door to secure the win.

Game 2: Columbia 3 – No. 17 Central Methodist 2

Game two saw Columbia rally late to earn a walk-off victory and salvage the split.

Columbia jumped out early with single runs in the first and second innings to take a 2-0 lead. CMU chipped away in the fifth when Holly delivered an RBI single to cut the deficit in half.

The Eagles pulled even in dramatic fashion in the seventh inning, as King launched a solo home run to tie the game at 2-2.

However, Columbia responded in the bottom half. With runners on, Columbia delivered a walk-off RBI single to bring home the winning run and hand CMU a 3-2 loss.

King paced the Eagles offensively in game two, going three-for-four with a home run and an RBI, while Kaysie Jolley added two hits, including a triple.

Up Next:

Central returns to conference action against No. 10 nationally ranked Missouri Baptist for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 28 in St. Louis, Missouri. First pitch of game one is set for 1:00 p.m.

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