Jennifer Costa and
Penny Eastman each threw a no-hitter in a double header sweep of Baker on Thursday. In game one, the Pioneers took a 1-0 lead in the second inning when Kim Russell scored from first on a
Cait Gardner 2-out double to deep right field. The Pioneers broke the game open in the third when
Emily True homered with one out. MNU added 2 more runs in the inning and took a 4-0 lead.
Jennifer Costa dominated the Baker hitters, striking out 16 in seven innings for her second no-hitter of the season.
Emily True (2-3, R, HR, RBI) and
Ashley Mayhle (3-3, RBI) had multi-hit games for MNU.
In game two,
Penny Eastman was provided more than enough run support in the first inning. The Pioneers started the game with 4 consecutive singles to load the bases with no outs (a caught-stealing prevented a run from scoring).
Taylor Ryal stepped to the plate with one out and cleared the bases with a grand slam over the trees in left field. MNU kept the pressure on in the second inning with 3 more runs on 3 hits to take a commanding 7-0 lead. Ryal completed the rout with another homer in the fourth to put the Pioneers up 9-0. Eastman kept the Wildcats hitless while striking out 11 in 5 innings for her 11th victory and 2nd no-hitter (includes a perfect game) of the season.
Brianna Payne (2-3),
Emily True (2-3, R),
Ashley Salter (2-3, 2 R, 2B),
Jennifer Costa (3-3, 3 R, 3B, 2 RBI),
Taylor Ryal (2-2, 2 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI, BB), and
Jessica Campbell (2-3, 2B) had multi-hit games.
The Pioneers are 29-5 (9-3 HAAC). The next double header is Saturday the 10th at Central Methodist (20-9, 6-1) at 2:00 PM.
