Fayette, Mo. — Central Methodist softball extended its strong run through Heart of America Athletic Conference play Tuesday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader from Clarke at Reardon Family Field.
Central opened the twinbill with a dominant 9-1 victory in five innings before completing the sweep with a 6-1 win in game two.
The Eagles improved to 25-10 overall and 11-3 in conference play, while the Pride dropped to 18-18 overall and 7-7 in Heart action.
Game 1: Central Methodist 9 – Clarke 1
In the opener, the Eagles wasted no time offensively, plating three runs in the first inning on a three-run home run from Emma King. Central added two more runs in the second on a Kaysie Jolley two-run blast, extending the early lead to 5-0.
The Eagles continued to pour it on in the third, scoring three runs behind a two-RBI single from Madison Roberts and an RBI fielder's choice by Rachel Brandt. Elizabeth Palumbo capped the scoring in the fourth with a solo home run to center, pushing the advantage to 9-0.
Clarke broke through in the fifth inning on an RBI single, but it was not enough to extend the contest.
King led the offensive effort, going three-for-three with three RBI and two runs scored, while Jolley and Palumbo each homered. Roberts added two RBI as part of a 10-hit attack.
In the circle, Karlie Barnum was efficient, allowing just three hits and one run over five innings while striking out three to improve to 12-1 on the season.
Game 2: Central Methodist 6 – Clarke 1
Game two saw Clarke strike first with a sacrifice fly in the opening inning, but Central Methodist quickly responded. Jolley and Joely Crider ignited the offense, with Crider delivering a two-run home run in the bottom of the first to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead.
The Eagles added to their advantage in the fourth inning, highlighted by an RBI single from Jolley and a run-scoring groundout by Crider. Crider struck again in the sixth inning with her second home run of the game, a two-run shot that provided the final margin.
Crider powered the offense in the finale, finishing two-for-three with two home runs and five RBI. Jolley also starred, going a perfect three-for-three with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Haley Cotter turned in a complete-game performance in the circle, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out three to earn the win.
Up Next:
Central hits the road for a doubleheader against William Penn Saturday, April 11 at 1:00 and 3:00 in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
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