ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team finished the weekend with a 5-1 overall record at the Apple Market Classic. The Griffons won in dominating fashion against Wayne State 14-6 in six innings and fell to Augustana in the final game 12-5 in the final day Sunday.

Game 1

The Griffons fell behind early in the game in the opening games of the day. MWSU allowed five runs in the second and a solo home run in the third inning. The Wildcats took a 6-0 lead heading into the fourth inning.

Shyanne Saladino entered the game as pitcher and silenced the Wildcat bats, pitching four innings and allowing just three hits and no run. The Griffon offense came alive, scoring at least four runs in the fourth, five and sixth inning.

MWSU picked up three walks in the fourth innings, helping the Griffons score five runs in the inning. Morgan Rathmann and Katie Klostermann each contributed with RBIs in the inning.

In the fifth inning, Sydney Washington recorded a three-run home run while Taylor Hamilton and Rathmann also picked up RBIs. MWSU took a 10-6 lead heading into the sixth.

The Griffons finished off the Wildcats as they added four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Five different Griffons had multiple hits in the game, led by Klostermann and Washington. Washington picked up five RBIs and Klostermann produced three hits and three runs.

Game 2

MWSU was not able to extend their winning streak past Augustana. The Vikings were able to score in six of the seven innings and tally at least one hit in six innings.
Augustana was able to gain an early advantage, scoring one run in the both the first and second innings compared to the Griffons one run. Augustana carried its 2-1 lead into the top of the fifth inning.

Augustana was able to power a two-run home run to right field, extending their lead to 4-1. The Griffons were able to respond with timely hits in the bottom half of the inning, scoring three-run to even the score at 4-4. The Griffons loaded the bases and Hamilton eventually tallied an RBI and Kailey Green recorded a double to right field, picking up two RBIs.

Augustana was too much for the Griffons as they scored three more runs in the sixth inning and five more runs in the seventh inning.
Kailey Green had three hits in the game, picking up four RBIs in the process. Five other Griffons had one hit in the game and Hamilton had the other RBI.

The Griffons will be on the road and back in conference action as they face off against Lindenwood University and Lincoln. MWSU will play Lindenwood on Friday starting at 2 p.m. and Lincoln on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

— MWSU Athletics —