Fayette, Mo. — The No. 17 Central Methodist softball program capped a dominant Sunday at Reardon Family Field, sweeping a doubleheader from Culver-Stockton with a 9-0 run-rule victory in game one followed by a 3-0 shutout in game two.
With the sweep, the Eagles improve to 19-8 overall and 6-2 in conference play.
Central controlled the day from the circle and the batter's box, outscoring the Wildcats 12-0 while allowing just six hits across 12 innings.
Game One: No. 17 Central Methodist 9 - Culver-Stockton 0 (5 inn.)
The Eagles used a balanced offensive attack and a big fourth inning to secure a run-rule win in the opener.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the second on an RBI double from Kinlei Boley, Central broke the game open with three runs in the third. Maddie Holly delivered an RBI single before Emma King launched a two-run home run to right, extending the lead to 4-0.
The Eagles erupted for five runs in the fourth inning to put the game out of reach. Elizabeth Palumbo highlighted the frame with a two-run double, while Holly added two more RBI with a single. King capped the scoring with an RBI fielder's choice.
Palumbo led the offense with a perfect three-for-three performance, including two doubles and a triple while driving in two runs. Holly and King each tallied three RBI, with King adding two hits and a home run. Boley also contributed a two-hit effort.
In the circle, Karlie Barnum remained unbeaten, tossing a complete-game shutout. She allowed just three hits while striking out three to improve to 9-0 on the season.
Game Two: Central Methodist 3 - Culver-Stockton 0
The nightcap featured another strong pitching performance and timely scoring early.
CMU took advantage of Wildcat miscues to plate all three runs in the first two innings. In the opening frame, Madison Roberts scored on an error following a fielder's choice by Palumbo.
The Eagles added two more runs in the second inning as Joely Crider's single helped bring home Roberts and Rachel Brandt, both runs scoring unearned.
Crider paced the offense with a perfect three-for-three day, while Brandt accounted for one of Central's six hits and scored a run.
Haley Cotter was dominant in the circle, throwing a complete-game shutout. She scattered three hits, struck out four, and allowed just one walk in the winning effort.
Up Next:
Central heads back out on the road for a non-conference doubleheader against Columbia College Wednesday, March 25 in Columbia. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
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