FAYETTE, Mo. — Solid pitching and timely hitting proved to a succesful formula for the (RV) Central Methodist softball team on Saturday afternoon, as it resulted in a conference sweep over Graceland.
GAME ONE (5-1 win):
Hannah Criswell (SO/Kennett, Mo.) got things rolling for the Eagles with a two-run home run in the 2nd inning. It's her fourth of the season, and third of the week after hitting two dingers against Missouri Valley on Wednesday.
Graceland picked up a run the following inning, but the Eagles responded in the 5th. Sydnie Harmon (SR/Raymore, Mo.) led off the inning with a single and a stolen base. Kelli Gorman (SO/St. Charles, Mo.) then drove her in with a single through the left side. A two-run home run from Mae Mitchell (JR/Frederick, Colo.) in the 6th gave the Eagles some breathing room.
Ashley Wills (SR/Cameron, Mo.) didn't need much help though, as she twirled a gem on the mound. She allowed only three hits and no earned runs in a complete-game performance. She also picked up nine strikeouts, moving her record to 8-3 with the win.
GAME TWO (5-2 win):
Both teams traded runs to start off the finale of the double-header. In the bottom of the 1st, Harmon scored on a groundout by Lexi Jones (SO/Wentzville, Mo.). Graceland took the lead back for a moment in the top of the 5th, but Gorman's RBI double tied it in the bottom of the frame. She now has 27 RBIs on the season.
An RBI single by Jones brought in the go-ahead run. The following inning resulted in some scorebook fireworks.
With one out and runners on first and second, Graceland grounded into what appeared to be a 6-4 fielder's choice, resulting in runners on the corners with two outs.
A shrewd appeal by Pat Reardon resulted in a runner interference being called on the baserunner traveling to 3rd, an automatic out and dead-ball. After the appeal, runners were at 1st and 2nd with two outs.
Wills came on in relief and got a groundout to end the Yellow Jacket threat. The Eagles scored two insurance runs in the bottom of the frame, and Wills picked up her third save of the season after throwing a perfect 7th inning.
UP NEXT:
Central Methodist is currently scheduled to take on Peru State tomorrow afternoon at 1 pm, weather permitting. Stay tuned to cmueagles.com for weather-related schedule updates.
