Joplin, Mo. –The Missouri Southern Softball team took on the No. 21 Pittsburg State University Gorilla in a conference match-up on senior day. Southern's offense exploded early, as they capitalized on key hits and timely base running to secure an 8-2 victory over Pittsburg State. The Gorillas took an early lead in game two, but the Lions surged ahead in the fifth inning, making it 6-2. The game was called due to weather, with Southern securing the win after 5.2 innings.
Missouri Southern (36-16, 16-8 MIAA) | Pittsburg State (37-13, 18-6 MIAA)
Game one: Missouri Southern 8 | Pittsburg State 2
Southern opened the second inning with a strong offensive performance. After
Emma Mason walked,
Maddie Rolfs singled, and
Hannah Duin added another walk,
Bailey Dillon delivered a key hit with a triple to left center, bringing in three runs and giving the Lions a 3-0 lead.
In the fourth inning, the Gorillas plated one run, 3-1. In the bottom of the inning, the Lions extended their lead as
Emma Mason reached base on an error and scored on
Carsen Tinkler's single, making it 4–1.
The momentum continued in the fifth inning when
Taylor Nuckolls reached on an error and later scored, along with
Emily Perry, on a single from Mason, pushing the lead to 6–1.
Pittsburg State added a run in the sixth inning, 6-2. Southern added as
Taylor Nuckolls doubled and scored on a
Katie Gray single.
Emily Perry then drove in
Peyton Hawkins with a double, increasing the score to 8–2.
The defense held strong in the final innings, securing an 8–2 victory for the Lions.
Bailey Dillon delivered a strong performance with three RBIs from a single hit, including a triple in a bases-loaded situation.
Taylor Nuckolls scored two runs, hitting a double and recording three assists at shortstop.
Emily Perry added two hits, including a double, one RBI, and a stolen base. The Lions tallied nine hits.
Kiki Pickens delivered a solid performance, pitching 6.0 innings with four strikeouts and allowing only three hits.
Lauren Fuller came in as a relief pitcher, throwing 1.0 inning without allowing any hits or runs.
Stats Tracker:
- Hits: Bailey Dillon (1), Taylor Nuckolls (1), Katie Gray (1), Emily Perry (2), Emma Mason (1), Maddie Rolfs (1), Carsen Tinkler (1), Kate Thurman (1)
- RBIs: Bailey Dillon (3), Katie Gray (1), Emily Perry (1), Emma Mason (2), Carsen Tinkler (1)
- 2B: Taylor Nuckolls (1), Emily Perry (1)
- 3B: Bailey Dillon (1)
- SB: Taylor Nuckolls (1), Emily Perry (1)
- Pitching:
Game two: Missouri Southern 6 | Pittsburg State 2 – 5 innings (due to weather)
The third inning saw the Gorillas take the lead, ending the inning 1-0. Pittsburg State would add to their lead in the fourth inning, 2-0.
Southern had a significant turnaround in the fifth inning.
Ashlyn Hulett, pinch-running for
Kate Thurman, scored on a triple by
Bailey Dillon.
Kylee Jacks' single brought Dillon home, tying the game.
Taylor Nuckolls and
Katie Gray followed with singles, with Jacks scoring on Gray's hit.
Emily Perry's single allowed Nuckolls to score, and
Peyton Hawkins, running for Gray, scored on a wild pitch. An error by the Gorillas let Perry score, pushing the score to 6-2.
After a lengthy rain delay, the game was called after 5.2 innings, resulting in a 6-2 Lions victory.
Bailey Dillon added a triple and a perfect 1.000 batting average, driving in one run.
Kylee Jacks contributed with two hits, one RBI, and a run scored.
Katie Gray recorded two hits and one RBI. The Lions tallied eight hits.
Avery Tallman pitched a complete game, throwing 5.0 innings, recording five strikeouts, and allowing no walks.
Stats Tracker:
Up next:
The Lions will head to the MIAA Championship on Thursday, May 1, where they claimed the number 4 seed. They'll face the No. 5 seed University of Central Missouri Jennies and first pitch is scheduled for 1:30 PM.
The Missouri Southern softball season is presented by Arvest Bank, a proud supporter of Lion Athletics.
-Lions-
