Joplin, Mo. - The Missouri Southern Softball team (11-29, 4-12 MIAA) dropped a pair of one run games, 5-4 and 1-0, to 24th ranked Missouri Western (30-14, 14-6 MIAA) Friday afternoon at Lea Kungle Field.

Game One

Southern got things started early as the pushed three runs across in the bottom of the first inning. Alana Hester got the inning started with a lead off double to left and moved to third on Myranda Stewart's single to center. Michala Wood perfectly executed a suicide squeeze play that scored Hester and moved Stewart to third. Following a stolen base by Wood, Brooke Swadley roped a single to right that scored both Stewart and Wood for the early 3-0 lead.

Missouri Western would chip away at the lead scoring two runs in both the fourth and fifth to take a 4-3 lead. The Lions would get the game tied up at 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth as Hester lead off with a bunt single to short and stole second. Abi Corbett moved Hester to third on her ground out to second and Stewart would double home Hester for the tie. Stewart would then advance to third on Wood's ground out to the pitcher before being stranded on a ground ball to third.

Western would take the lead again in the top of the seventh as they scored on a wild pitch following one out double and single. The Lions would mount a comeback as Hester led off the home half with her third single of the game and stole second for the second time. Corbett sacrificed Hester to third where she would be stranded to end the game.

Kali' Hodson got the start for Southern going 4 2/3 innings allowing four runs, all earned, on eight hits with three strike outs and a walk. Shelby Mitchell (3-3) took the loss going 1 2/3 innings allowing one run, earned, on three hits. Ashley Lutz came in the seventh inning with one out and bases loaded to get the Lions out of the game with two strike outs.

Game Two

Game two was a pitching duel between Lutz and Shyanne Saladino as both pitchers went the distance allowing a combined 10 hits. The Lions recorded just three hits, a double by Stewart in the fourth, and singles by Kathryn Goins-Osburn and Swadley in the fifth.

Missouri Western would score the only run of the game in the top of the seventh as Gillaspy came up with the sacrifice fly to score Schaben.

Lutz (6-13) went seven innings allowing one run, earned, on seven hits with four strike outs.

On The Day

Stewart and Hester lead the offensive attack both going 3-for-7 (.429) at the plate with a combined three runs scored. Stewart recorded two of the Lions' five doubles on the day with Hester, Wood, and Dru Coleman coming up with the other three. Swadley finished the day 2-for-6 (.333) at the dish with a team high 2 RBIs.

Lutz led the Lions inside the circle with two appearances and one complete game with 7 2/3 innings pitched and an overall ERA of 0.91 and six strike outs.

Up Next

The Lions will host their Military Appreciation day on Saturday as they welcome Northwest Missouri State to the hill. First pitch from Lea Kungle Field is scheduled for noon.

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