The Pioneers started their conference schedule with a double header sweep of Culver-Stockton on Friday. In Game 1, the Pioneers put up 7 runs in the first inning and never looked back.
Taylor Ryal's 2-RBI single drove in
Tianna George and Jen Costa to start the scoring, and
Cait Gardner's 2-out bases-loaded bloop single to right field turned into 4 runs when a relay throw went awry. Costa extended the lead in the second inning when her drive to right field led the Culver right fielder into the chain link fence. After the collision, the fielder crumpled to the ground as Costa circled the bases for an inside-the-park homer, her 14th round tripper of the season.
Chelsea Bapst added another run in the fourth with her 3rd homer of the season, and the 8-run victory was completed in the fifth when an unearned run put MNU up 10-2. Jen Costa struck out 7 in 3 innings for her 5th victory. And
Chelsea Bapst (1-3, R, HR, RBI), Jen Costa (3-3, 2 R, HR, RBI, SB),
Taylor Ryal (1-3, 2 RBI),
Emily True (1-1, R, RBI, BB), and
Cait Gardner (1-3, R, 2 RBI) led the offense.
In Game 2, the Pioneers scored in each of the first 4 innings to take an 8-2 lead. Culver could not get any closer and MNU completed the sweep with a 9-2 victory. The first 3 hitters in the Pioneer lineup each hit a homer as MNU built the big lead.
Kayla Harris earned her 6th victory allowing 2 runs (1 earned) in 4 innings. And
Tianna George (3-4, 3 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, SB),
Chelsea Bapst (3-4, R, HR, RBI), and Jen Costa (3-4, R, HR, 3 RBI, SB) had 3 hits apiece.
The Pioneers are 15-4 (2-0 HAAC). The next game is Saturday at Southwestern College (KS) at 2:00 PM.
Game 1
Box & Play by Play
Game 2
Box & Play by Play
