The 10th ranked Griffons softball team scored 18 runs and pounded out 19 hits in a doubleheader sweep over the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats on Friday afternoon. Western won game one 9-0 in five innings and took game two 8-3 improving to 23-4 overall and 6-0 in MIAA play. The Griffons have won a season best nine straight games.
Game 1: MWSU 9, NWMSU 0 (5 Innings)
Western pounded out nine hits and got another solid pitching performance from Jackie Bishop earning a 9-0, five inning victory over rival Northwest Missouri State in game one. Western used a four run second inning and a five run fourth inning earning its eighth straight victory.
In the second inning Western scored four runs on two hits while capitalizing on two Bearcat errors. Keri Lorbert opened the inning with a single to left field and then pinch runner Erin Widrig scored on a fielders choice bunt by Leah Steele. Taylor Anding and Steele scored on a Kat Steponovich single and Steponovich scored on a Sarah Elliot fielder choice putting Western up 4-0 after two.
In the fourth Western scored five more runs on five hits. Kendall Sorenson, Meagan Roemmich, Taylor Anding, Leah Steele and Steponovich all had hits in the inning. Bishop struckout the side in the Bearcat fifth finishing with nine K’s on the win. She improves to 12-1 with the victory.
Roemmich went 2-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored while Steponovich went 3-for-3 with three RBI and a run scored.
The Bearcats had just one hit which was by Josie Van Houten while Jenna Creger falls to 4-4 on the season going 3.2 innings givin gup eight hits and six earned runs.
Game 2: MWSU 8, NWMSU 3
Western used two three run innings and a two run inning taking game two of the doubleheader 8-3. Western got on the board in the second inning scoring three runs on three hits. Roemmich, Elliot and Sorenson all had singles in the inning.
The Griffons scored two more in the fourth claiming a 5-0 lead after four. Western added three more hits with a single up the middle by Sorenson which plated Steponovich and Steele.
In the fifth the Bearcats made things interesting smacking two homers. One by Kyle Cantrell and one by Hailee Hendricks cutting the Griffon lead to 5-3 after four and a half.
The Griffons responded in the bottom of the fifth with three more runs as Lorbert singled down the left field line leading off the inning. Two more hits and three Bearcat errors allowed Western to take the 8-3 lead after five.
Annalee Rubio shut down the Bearcats the rest of the way as she picked up her seventh straight victory. She improves to 9-3 pitching all seven innings. she gave up eight hist and three earned runs while striking out eight.
Sorenson and Steele each had two hits as Steele scored three runs and Sorenson had two RBI.
The Bearcats fall to 11-11 overall and 2-2 in MIAA play. Kristen Uthe had two of Northwest’s eight hits while Morgan Brunmeier falls to 4-4 on the year.
Western returns to action on Saturday, March 17 with a doubleheader against MIAA opponent Truman State. Game time is set for 1:00 pm from the Griffon Softball Field at the Spring Sports Complex.
— MWSU Sports Information —