Warrensburg, Mo. – The Missouri Southern softball program split the double-header against Central Missouri today flipping 7-1 decisions today.
Game one saw the Lions (20-13-1, 11-6-1 MIAA) and Jennies (26-10, 15-5 MIAA) engaged in a pitcher's duel. Central Missouri scored the first run in the fifth inning off a fielder's choice as both teams were still hitless.
Makaila Leonhart began the sixth inning with a double for the Lions first hit of the game. Leighton Withers singled before advancing to second on a throw that resulted in Leonhart being called out at the plate. Adrianna Young singled home Withers and Kara Amos hit a two-run home run her third homer of the season as the Lions led 3-1 after six innings.
The Lions scored the first run in the seventh inning off a fielding error by the Jennies shortstop which loaded the bases up for a Young bases clearing double to seal the game one 7-1 win. This was the first win against the Jennies in Warrensburg since the 2014 season snapping a 11-game losing streak against Central Missouri.
Abby Atkin picked up her eighth win of the season going the distance and only giving up one hit in the game in the sixth inning while striking out two. Young finished going 2-of-4 with four RBIs.
Game two had the Jennies scoring two runs in the first inning to begin the scoring. Withers opened the account for the Lions in the sixth inning with an RBI double scoring Leonhart. Central Missouri responded with five runs in the bottom half of the inning to seal the 7-1 win.
Withers finished game two going 2-of-3 with an RBI, Bailey Lacy pitched 5.2 innings striking out five Jennies in the loss.
Next up for the Lions is a home non-conference double-header against former conference member Southwest Baptist, Wednesday April 21st with first pitch from the Pat Lipira Softball Complex set for 3 pm.
