Pioneers Suffer Late Heartbreak at Avila

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 1 - Avila 9
Game 2 Score: MNU 6 -  Avila 9
Records: MNU (0-4), AU (2-4)
Location: The Z | Kansas City, Mo.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Pioneers led late in both games, but came away empty in a double header sweep at Avila on Friday. In Game 1, the Pioneers rallied for 3 run in the top of the 1st inning, but didn't score again. Starter Sarah Melodia kept MNU in the lead until the 7th inning, when the Eagles fought back. Trailing 3-2 with 1 out, Avila managed back-to-back walks, a RBI single to tie the game, and a fielder's choice without an out to load the bases. A hit batsman ended it as Avila won 4-3.

Game 1 Turning Point
Avila's 2-run 7th turned the game around.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Sarah Melodia struck out 3 in the loss. And Cordelia Hanger (1-3, R, SB, SH) and Kaleigh Bayless (1-3, R, BB, SB) recorded MNU's 2 hits.

In Game 2, teams traded single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings for a 2-2 tie. MNU took a 2-run lead in the top of the 5th with an Audrey Denges RBI double and an Emma Gordon RBI HBP, but a double play ended MNU's threat. With 2 outs and 2 strikes in the bottom of the 7th, Avila hit a game-tying homer to send the game into extras. In the bottom of the 8th, an error brought the winning run home, and Avila came away with the sweep.

Game 2 Turning Point
Avila's 2-run homer in the 7th.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Alexis Wilds struck out 9 in 7.1 innings. And Cordelia Hanger (2-4, R, 2B, SB), Kaleigh Bayless (1-3, R, 2B, RBI, BB, SB), Audrey Denges (2-4, 2B, RBI), and Emma Ryan (0-1, 3 BB) led the offense.

Up Next
The next double header is Wednesday, March 10 at home vs. Avila (2-4) at 3:00/5:00.