Olathe, Kan. — The No. 17 Central Methodist Softball team used timely hitting and a late-game surge in the opener before riding an offensive explosion in game two to complete a doubleheader sweep of MidAmerica Nazarene Saturday afternoon in Olathe.
The Eagles improved to 17-8 overall and 5-2 in conference play with a 5-3 extra-inning win in game one, followed by a 15-10 victory in the finale.
Game 1: No. 17 Central Methodist 5 - MidAmerica Nazarene 3 (8 innings)
After surrendering a 3-0 lead, Central responded in the top of the eighth to secure the opener.
With the game tied 3-3, Brianna Craig delivered the decisive blow, lining a two-run single down the left field line to score Kaysie Jolley and Elizabeth Palumbo for a 5-3 advantage.
Jolley paced the Eagles offensively with a perfect four-for-four performance, adding two runs scored and an RBI. Craig finished three-for-four with two RBI, while Palumbo scored twice and doubled twice.
CMU struck first in the second inning on a Craig single paired with a defensive miscue. The Eagles extended the lead to 3-0 in the third behind RBI singles from Maddie Holly and Jolley.
MNU answered with a two-run home run in the third and tied the game in the fourth on an RBI triple.
In the circle, Haley Cotter earned the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings while allowing just three hits. Karlie Barnum started and struck out six over five innings.
Game 2: No. 17 Central Methodist 15 - MidAmerica Nazarene 10
The Eagles' offense erupted for 17 hits in the second game, scoring in five of the first six innings to complete the sweep.
Central wasted no time, plating four runs in the opening frame highlighted by RBI hits from Palumbo, Jolley, Holly, and Emma King.
The Eagles continued to build their lead with a two-run second inning and a three-run third to go up 9-1 before MidAmerica Nazarene responded with five runs in the bottom half of the third.
Despite the Pioneers closing within 9-6, Central answered with two runs in the fourth and a four-run fifth inning. Jolley's two-run double and a sacrifice fly from Holly pushed the lead to 15-7.
MidAmerica Nazarene scored four runs across the fourth and fifth innings but could not complete the comeback.
Madison Roberts led the offensive onslaught with a four-for-four performance, scoring three times and driving in a run. Palumbo added three RBI, while Jolley and Craig each drove in three and two runs, respectively.
In the circle, Barnum picked up the win in relief, improving to 8-0 after tossing 2.1 scoreless innings to close out the game.
#TakeFlight
