Bentonville, Ark. – The Missouri Southern Lions (2-9) split in day two of the Five State Classic in Bentonville, hosted by Arkansas-Monticello.
Game One
The Lions run ruled former MIAA foe Missouri S&T, 9-1, to open day two at the Five State Classic hosted by Arkansas-Monticello.
Southern scored nine runs on eight hits as a team. Sophomores Haley Pypes and Shelby Romines were the only two Lions with a multi-hit game, two a piece. While freshman Brooke Swadley and Romines each scored two runs.
After allowing a run in the top half of the first inning the Lions struck for three in the home half and never looked back on their way to win number two on the season. Senior Brianna Fulkerson got Southern started with a single through the left side and then advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by senior Lydia Niemegeers. Fulkerson would then score as Swadley reached base on a throwing error by the Miners' pitcher. Senior Brooke Hurley would follow that up with her second home run of the season to make the score 3-1 after an inning of play.
The Lions would then add a run in the third off a single through the left side by Pypes and a run in the fourth on a ground out by Niemegeers to make the score 5-1 after four innings.
Pypes would get the final frame started with a double to right center with one out. Senior Kiley Siebenaler would pinch run for Pypes as freshman Dru Coleman stepped in to pinch hit for senior Alysha Poteat. Coleman would draw a walk and Poteat would come back into the game to run for Coleman. Both Siebenaler and Poteat would advance on a wild pitch and then score on a single to right center by Romines. Sophomore Chloe Brown reached on a fielding error by the S&T third baseman and freshman Brooke Smith would then come in to run for Brown. Both Romines and Smith would advance on a wild pitch. After a walk to sophomore Brooklyn Farrell, Romines would score on a fielder's choice by Fulkerson. Niemegeers would have the winning hit, a single to left, that scored Smith to run rule the Miners.
Pypes (2-3) got the start inside the circle for the Lions as she allowed a single run on just three hits while striking out six Miners.
Game Two
Junior Kayce Moore went the distance, 8 2/3 innings, for the Lions giving up two runs while striking out five in the 2-1 nine inning loss to the Missouri-St. Louis Tritons.
Hurley was the bright spot for Southern's offense going 4-for-4 at the dish.
The Lions will play Saturday at 12:30 against Southwestern Oklahoma and again at 3pm vs. Illinois-Springfield at Memorial Park in Bentonville.
