Joplin, Mo. –The Missouri Southern Softball team takes on the University of Nebraska Kearney Lopers in a conference matchup. The Lions took an early lead in game one before the Lopers answered. Southern delivered timely hits in the sixth to regain the lead and seal the win. In game two, the Lions jumped out to an early lead and held on for the win, highlighted by an
Abby DeSanto home run and strong pitching that limited the Lopers to just four hits.
Missouri Southern (34-16, 14-8 MIAA) | Nebraska Kearney (22-25, 8-14 MIAA)
Game one: Missouri Southern 4 | Nebraska Kearney 3
Southern opened the scoring in the first inning when
Katie Gray's single brought
Bailey Dillon home, giving the team a 1-0 lead.
In the second inning, the Lopers responded to tie the game at 1-1, and in the third inning, they took a 3-1 lead.
The Lions narrowed the gap in the fourth inning as
Emma Mason scored on a sacrifice fly by
Bailey Dillon and pushed the score to 3-2.
In the sixth inning, Southern regained the advantage.
Emily Perry scored on a double by
Taylor Nuckolls, and a wild pitch allowed
Kylee Jacks to score, putting the Lions ahead 4-3. The Lions' defense held strong in the final inning, preventing any further scoring by the Lopers and securing a 4-3 victory.
Taylor Nuckolls contributed with two hits, including a double and one RBI.
Bailey Dillon contributed offensively, with one hit, one RBI, and one run scored.
Katie Gray added a hit and an RBI. The Lions tallied nine hits.
Kiki Pickens started the game, pitching 3.1 innings and faced 19 batters, recorded one strikeout.
Lauren Fuller pitched 3.2 innings, allowing only two hits and no runs, with one walk.
Stats Tracker:
- Hits: Taylor Nuckolls (2), Bailey Dillon (1), Kylee Jacks (1), Katie Gray (1), Emma Mason (1), Carsen Tinkler (1), Kate Thurman (1), Emily Perry (1)
- RBIs: Bailey Dillon (1), Taylor Nuckolls (1), Katie Gray (1)
- 2B: Taylor Nuckolls (1)
- SH: Bailey Dillon (1), Maddie Rolfs (1)
- Pitching:
Game two: Missouri Southern 3 | Nebraska Kearney 1
The Lopers took an early lead in the first inning, adding one run. The Lions quickly responded with
Bailey Dillon doubling before
Taylor Nuckolls singled to drive Dillon home, tying the game at 1–1.
In the fifth inning, Southern took the advantage with a
Bailey Dillon single and was advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by
Kylee Jacks.
Taylor Nuckolls then singled, allowing Dillon to score, pushing their lead to 2–1.
Abby DeSanto pinch-hit and crushed a solo home run to extend Southern's lead to 3–1 in the sixth inning.
The Lions held the Lopers scoreless in the final inning, securing a 3–1 victory.
Bailey Dillon recorded three hits, including two doubles, and scored two runs.
Taylor Nuckolls also made a significant impact, driving in two runs with three hits, with that she has surpassed 100 career RBIs and sits at 101.
Abby DeSanto contributed with a standout pinch-hit home run performance. The Lions tallied 10 hits.
Avery Tallman pitched a complete game, allowing just one earned run over 7.0 innings. Tallman faced 24 batters, striking out five and issuing no walks.
Stats Tracker:
Up next:
The Lions will return to their home field on Saturday, April 26, to host the Pittsburg State University Gorillas. First pitch is set for 12:00 PM, and prior to the game, the Lions will honor their seniors.
The Missouri Southern softball season is presented by Arvest Bank, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
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