JOPLIN, Mo. — Missouri Southern swept a Saturday doubleheader against Sioux Falls, earning a 7-2 victory in the opener before edging the Cougars 1-0 in game two behind a dominant pitching performance from
Emily Davis.
The Lions used an 11-hit offensive effort to take the first game before relying on strong pitching and a timely home run to secure the shutout and complete the sweep.
Game 1 – Missouri Southern 7, Sioux Falls 2
Both teams struck early in the first inning.
Bailey Dillon singled to open the game and later scored when
Emily Perry delivered an RBI double to tie the score at 1-1.
Missouri Southern took control in the third inning. Dillon doubled and scored on a hit by
Taylor Nuckolls, who later stole second. Perry reached on an error that allowed Nuckolls to score, and
Gianna Saggese later came home on a
Maddie Rolfs double to give the Lions a 4-1 advantage.
Sioux Falls added a run in the fifth inning, but the Lions responded with two more in the bottom half.
Grace McNulty scored on a Rolfs single, and Rolfs later crossed the plate on a hit by
Micah Snider to extend the lead to 6-2.
Missouri Southern added its final run in the sixth inning. Dillon singled, stole two bases, and scored on a double from
Katie Gray to push the lead to 7-2.
Dillon led the offense with three hits, including a double, while scoring three runs and stealing two bases. Rolfs added two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs, while Perry finished with a double and two RBIs.
Kiki Pickens earned the win in the circle, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing four hits and striking out three without issuing a walk.
Kadence Janney closed the game with 1.2 innings of relief, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Game 2 – Missouri Southern 1, Sioux Falls 0
The second game turned into a pitching duel, with the Lions breaking through in the second inning.
Carsen Tinkler provided the game's only run with a solo home run to left field, giving Missouri Southern a 1-0 lead.
Emily Davis made the run stand up in the circle, delivering a complete-game one-hitter. Davis struck out five batters and allowed just one walk across seven innings while throwing 79 pitches.
Tinkler led the offense with two hits, including the home run and the game's lone RBI.
Bailey Dillon added a hit and a stolen base, while
Taylor Nuckolls recorded a hit and an assist from shortstop.
Davis earned the win to improve to 9-1 on the season, securing the sweep for the Lions with the shutout performance.
