Pioneers Split at Friends

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 9 - Friends 2
Game 2 Score: MNU 1 - Friends 6
Records: MNU (5-3), FRD (4-5)
Location: Two Rivers Complex | Topeka, Kan.

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Pioneers split a double header at Friends on Friday. In Game 1, neither team got anything going until the top of the 4th, when MNU had a huge rally. With 1 out, Kelly Stoakes homered for a 1-0 lead. After a double and hit batsman, Graci Buckly drove in a run with a single. One out later, Alli VanLanker drilled a 3-run homer to give MNU a 5-0 lead. A walk, an error, and 3 singles led to 2 more runs, and the Pioneers led 7-0. Friends managed single runs in the 4th and 5th, but MNU scored 2 in the top of the 6th to put the game away for a 9-2 victory.

Game 1 Turning Point
Alli VanLanker's 3-run homer put the game out of reach.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mykala Johnico struck out 9 in a complete game victory. And Cordelia Hanger (2-4, 2 R, 2B), Kelly Stoakes (2-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI), and Alli VanLanker (2-3, R, HR, 3 RBI, HBP) led the offense.

In Game 2, MNU managed only an Abby Schulte solo homer while Friends scored 6 in a 6-1 loss.

Game 2 Turning Point
Friends' run in the 2nd proved to be the game winner.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Grace Berlage struck out 2 in 1 hitless inning of relief. And Abby Schulte (1-2, R, HR, RBI, BB) provided the offense.

Up Next
The next double header is Saturday at Bethany (4-2) at 1:00/3:00.