Pioneers Split Conference Opener

Watch Game 1
Watch Game 2

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 8 - Peru State 0 (5 inn)
Game 2 Score: MNU 2 - Peru State 4
Records: MNU (11-7, 1-1), PSC (3-16, 1-3)
Location: ODAC - Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. - The Pioneers split a double header to open the conference schedule on Saturday. In Game 1, MNU scored 1 in the 2nd to take the lead, then poured it on in the 3rd and 4th with 6 runs. In the bottom of the 5th, Morgan Fouch led off with a double and scored on the next play to give MNU an 8-0 mercy rule victory.

Game 1 Turning Point
Chloe Smith's RBI single in the 2nd was all MNU needed.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Sarah Melodia struck out 2 in a 5-inning complete game victory. And Kaliegh Bayless (2-3, 2 RBI), Morgan Fouch (2-3, 2 R, 2B), Rilee Slycord (2-3, R), Chloe Smith (2-2, RBI), and Londin Fiorella (2-2, 2 R, RBI) had 2 hits apiece.

In Game 2, MNU took an early lead, but Peru State rallied for a 2-out bases loaded walk to tie it in the 2nd. A Bobcat 2-run homer in the 3rd put them up 3-1, and the Pioneers couldn't come all the way back. Rilee Slycord's solo homer in the 4th got the Pioneers closer, but the Bobcats tacked on a run in the 6th. In the bottom of the 7th, MNU had the tying runs in scoring position with 2 outs, but a deep fly to left field was caught on the run near the track, and Peru held on for the win.

Game 2 Turning Point
Peru's 2-run homer in the 3rd was the game-winner.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Grace Berlage struck out 10 in a complete game loss. And Cordelia Hanger (3-4, R, SB), Kelly Stoakes (2-4), and Rilee Slycord (2-3, R, HR, RBI) had multi-hit games.

Up Next
The next double header is Tuesday at home vs. Graceland (10-6, 1-1) at 2:00/4:00.