Fayette, Mo. - Playing their first conference game in nearly two years, the No. 9 Central Methodist softball program swept Benedictine College by scores of 6-1 and 8-0 Saturday afternoon at Cox Softball Complex in Fayette, Mo.
With the pair of wins, Central improves to 16-1 and 2-0 in conference action, while the Ravens drop to 10-6 and 0-2 in the Heart. The 16-1 start is CMU's best record through their first 17 games in 15 years.
The first three and a half innings of game one featured a single run from each team. Tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the Eagles' offense came alive, scoring three runs highlighted by a two-run home run from Micaela Harcrow on a 3-2 count.
Kelli Gorman put the finishing touches on Central's 6-1 win, hitting a two-run home run out to centerfield in the bottom of the fifth. Keighlan Cronin pitched her third straight complete game, tossing all seven innings and giving up only one run on two hits, and three walks.
She also collected 12 strikeouts, marking the sixth game this season the junior has recorded double diget K's. Cronin improves her overall record to 7-0 and has an earned run average of 1.21.
Kelena Oots and Micaela Harcrow each collected two hits, while Oots scored two runs.
Central completed the doubleheader sweep with an 8-0 victory in five innings in game two. The Eagles scored three runs on five hits in the bottom of the third inning, and added five more runs in the fifth.
After recording back-to-back outs, the Eagles strung together five consecutive hits from Adalia Sewell, Jordan Jenkins, Oots, Morgan Willis, and Kelli Gorman.
Gorman once again capped the final inning with a game winning three run home run to centerfield, scoring three and giving CMU the 8-0 win. She finished the game batting two-for-three with three RBI and two runs scored.
Sewell recorded a team-high three hits including an RBI double. Willis and Gorman each finished the day with two hits.
Junior Madison Love earned another win in the circle, tossing five innings while striking out four batters and giving up only one walk. She improves her overall record to 7-1.
With Sunday's doubleheader against Baker postponed due to weather, the Eagles will host Heart newcomer Park University Wednesday, March 17 at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Cox Softball Complex.
#TakeFlight
