The Basics
Game 1 Score:Â MNU 2 - Sterling 0
Game 2 Score:Â Sterling 7 - MNU 1
Records:Â MNU (5-11), Sterling (13-7)
Location:Â Shawnee, Kan. - Mid-America Sports Complex
SHAWNEE, Kan. – MidAmerica Nazarene split a doubleheader against Sterling on Saturday, taking the opener 2-0 before falling 7-1 in the second game.
In Game 1, the Pioneers struck early, scoring twice in the first inning. After Kelly Stoakes reached on a single, an error brought home a run and put another runner at third. Alli VanLanker then brought in a run on a groundout to short, giving MNU a quick 2-0 lead. That proved to be all they needed, as Brie Manwarren was dominant in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts.
Game 1 Turning Point
MNU's runs in the 1st was enough.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren struck out 9 in a complete game shutout. And Alli VanLanker (1-3, RBI) had MNU's lone RBI.
In Game 2, MNU struggled offensively against Sterling's pitching. The game remained scoreless until the sixth, when Sterling erupted for three runs. Kelly Stoakes responded with a solo homer in the bottom of the inning, but Sterling added four more runs in the seventh to pull away.
Game 2 Turning Point
Sterling's three-run sixth inning broke the scoreless tie and shifted momentum in their favor.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 5 in 6.2 innings. And Kelly Stoakes (2-3, R, 2B, HR, RBI) had 2 hits.
Up Next
The next double header is Friday at Bellevue (9-9) at 3:00/5:00.
