Posted: May 01, 2015
�
The Eagles' mark of 27 consecutive wins is tied for 10th place all-time in NAIA softball history for most consecutive wins in a single season. Central Methodist is currently tied with Oklahoma City University (2007) and Union (Tenn.) University (2002), needing one more win to move into a tie for ninth place on the list with Oklahoma City's 1995 team.
�
The Eagles, the top seed in the 2015 conference tournament and regular-season conference champions, are looking to win their fourth-consecutive HAAC Championship Series. With the win over Graceland, Central Methodist (38-6) will advance to the next round and play No. 5 Benedictine at 11 a.m. Friday. The Ravens defeated Evangel 6-4 in the first round on Thursday.
�
All seven runs between Central Methodist and Graceland were scored in the first inning of the contest. The Yellowjackets struck first in the top-half of the frame, when Samantha Stockford scored from third base on a passed ball to give Graceland (11-26) an early 1-0 edge.
�
The Eagles sent 11 batters to the plate in the bottom-half of the first inning against Graceland pitcher Breanna Fortune. The inning started with a walk to Jessie Wilmes, followed by a double from Hannah Blackmon and an infield single by Michele Rupard. With the bases loaded, Lauren Geringer singled to left field, scoring Wilmes and Blackmon to swing the lead into Central Methodist's favor at 2-1.
�
Bri Boatwright, the fifth batter of the inning, singled to right field to drive in another run. Two batters later, Nicole Beck hit an RBI single up the middle to stretch the Eagles' lead to 4-1.
�
As the inning continued, the bases were loaded again, this time with two outs, when Wilmes stepped to the plate for the second time in the inning. Wilmes reached base on an error, which scored two more runs, giving Central Methodist a five-run lead after one inning of play.
�
That lead would be more than enough for Central Methodist starting pitcher Haley Kinnison. The junior right-hander went on to pitch her 17th complete game of the season, shutting down Graceland over the next six innings. Kinnison (18-3) won her 14th-consecutive decision, striking out seven batters and walking four in seven innings of work. She held Graceland's lineup to just four hits, all singles.
�
Graceland stranded nine baserunners compared to seven for Central Methodist.
�
The Eagles had eight hits off Fortune. Blackmon went 2-for-4 with one single and one double, while Rupard was 2-for-3 with two singles. Geringer, Boatwright, Beck and Lindie Adair had one hit apiece for Central Methodist, which continues to hold its No. 8 ranking in this week's NAIA Softball Coaches' Top 25 Poll.
�
Fortune (6-13) walked three and struck out seven batters for Graceland. Four different players had one hit apiece for the Yellowjackets.
