HAYS, Kan. — No. 3-ranked Missouri Southern split a Friday doubleheader against Fort Hays State, falling 4-1 in the opener before responding with a 9-4 victory in game two at Fleharty Family Field.
The Lions were limited offensively in game one before erupting for 12 hits, including a six-run fifth inning, to secure the split.
Game 1 – Fort Hays State 4, Missouri Southern 1
Fort Hays State struck first with a solo home run in the opening inning and broke a 1-1 tie with a three-run fourth to take control.
Missouri Southern answered in the third inning.
Bailey Dillon singled, stole second, and scored on a
Taylor Nuckolls double to left center to even the score at 1-1.
The Tigers regained the lead in the fourth, capitalizing on a mix of hits and a fielding error to plate three runs and go ahead 4-1. Southern threatened late but was unable to push across another run. Dillon led the offense with two hits and two stolen bases, while
Katie Gray added two hits. Nuckolls recorded the lone RBI with her double.
Emily Davis pitched a complete game, allowing four runs (two earned) on eight hits over six innings.
Game 2 – Missouri Southern 9, Fort Hays State 4
Missouri Southern bounced back in game two, using a six-run fifth inning to pull away for a 9-4 win.
Taylor Nuckolls got the Lions started with a home run to right field in the first inning, giving Southern an early 1-0 lead before Fort Hays State answered to tie the game in the second.
Trailing 4-3 in the fifth, the Lions took control.
Emily Perry was hit by a pitch to start the rally, and
Carsen Tinkler helped load the bases.
Emma Mason delivered a two-RBI double,
Cady Dickey followed with an RBI single, and Perry capped the inning with a two-RBI single to give Southern a 9-4 advantage. The Lions held firm the rest of the way to secure the win. Nuckolls led the offense with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Tinkler recorded three hits, while Mason added two hits and two RBIs.
Kadence Janney earned the win with a complete-game effort, allowing four runs on five hits over seven innings.
