Pioneers Split with Benedictine

The Basics
Game 1 Score: MNU 1, Benedictine 2
Game 2 Score: MNU 1, Benedictine 0
Records: MNU (21-23, 12-10), Benedictine (29-19, 14-8)
Location: Williams Field – Olathe, Kan.

OLATHE, Kan. – MNU battled Benedictine in a hard-fought doubleheader on Friday, splitting the series in two tightly contested games at Williams Field. Despite a tough Game 1 loss, the Pioneers bounced back behind clutch hitting and a brilliant pitching performance in Game 2 to salvage a split.

In Game 1, Mandy Brown was outstanding in the circle, striking out 7 and allowing just 5 hits over 7 innings. The Pioneers broke through in the 5th when Brie Manwarren executed a perfect bunt single to drive in Dakoda Hobbs for the game's first run. But Benedictine took advantage of an error to plate a pair of unearned runs in the 6th, and MNU couldn't mount a comeback in the final innings.

Game 1 Turning Point
Two unearned runs by Benedictine in the top of the 6th flipped the game, erasing MNU's 1-0 lead.

Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 7 in a complete game loss. And Maddie Brooks (1-3), Dakoda Hobbs (1-3, R), Brie Manwarren (2-3, RBI), and Robin Todd (1-3) had MNU's 5 hits.

In Game 2, Brie Manwarren delivered a gem, tossing a complete-game shutout to lift the Pioneers. MNU finally broke the scoreless deadlock in the 6th when Robin Todd launched a solo home run to right field, the only run the Pioneers would need. Manwarren's dominance in the circle — scattering four hits with six strikeouts — secured a the 1-0 win.

Game 2 Turning Point
Robin Todd's solo blast in the bottom of the 6th stood as the game-winner.

Game 2 Individual Leaders
Brie Manwarren struck out 6 in a 4-hit complete game shutout. And Robin Todd (1-2, R, HR, RBI) was the MNU offense.

Up Next
​​​​​​​The next game is the regular season finale at William Penn on Saturday at 1:00/3:00.