Joplin, Mo. -- Krista Bomak
delivered a walk-off, game-winning double in game one and Kelli Bax
did just the same in game two as the Missouri Southern softball
team swept a double-header from visiting Fort Hays State today by
the scores of 1-0 and 3-2.
The Lions (18-36-1, 7-9 MIAA) had two outstanding pitching
performances today from both Whitney Clute and
Tiffany
Bennett as both pitchers went the distance with Clute limiting
the Tigers to just three hits and no runs over seven innings and
Bennett allowing just one earned run in nine innings of work in
game two.
Both pitchers in game one were dealing as Clute and the Tigers
(25-18, 7-9 MIAA) starter Kayla Rupa put up zeros for the first six
innings. Clute retired the side in the top of the seventh and Brooke Hurley
walked to lead off the bottom half of the inning. She was moved to
second on a sac bunt from Jessica Brooks
and with two outs, Krista Bomak pinch hit. Bomak worked the count
full and promptly doubled down the right field line, scoring Hurley
for the game-winner.
Breanna
Volkmann had a pair of hits in the opener, while Angie Turner,
Brooks and Bomak had a hit each. Clute struck out three and walked
one, while allowing just three hits.
Both teams scored a run in the third inning as the Lions got
their run when Bax doubled and Volkman singled up the middle to
bring her home.
The game headed into extras as Bennett and the Tigers' game two
starter Maddie Hollub settled down for five more shutout innings
each.
Hays scored an unearned run in the top of the ninth to go ahead
2-1, but Bennett pitched out of the jam and struck out Brittney
Workman looking to end the inning.
With one out in the ninth, Brooks walked and moved to second on
a sac bunt from Natalie Nelson.
Bomak singled through the left side and moved up to second on an
error by the left fielder putting runners at second and third with
two outs. Bax then took the first pitch she saw off the right
center field wall, driving in both Brooks and Bomak for the
game-winner.
Bax went 4-5 in the game with a pair of RBIs and a run scored.
Volkmann, Hurley, Brooks and Bomak had a hit each. Bennett went all
nine with six strikeouts and she allowed just one unearned
run.
The Lions will be back in action on Friday, April 30 when they
play host to Missouri Western in a double-header at 4 pm.
