The Basics
Score 1: MNU 3 – Central Methodist 5 (8 inn)
Score 2: MNU 10 – Central Methodist 15
Records: MNU (17-9, 5-3), CMU (17-8, 4-2)
Location: Olathe, Kan. – Williams Field
OLATHE, Kan. – MNU battled throughout Saturday's doubleheader but came up short in both games against #17 Central Methodist, falling 5-3 in extra innings before dropping a high-scoring 15-10 contest in Game 2.
In Game 1, the Pioneers responded well after falling behind early. Central Methodist built a 3-0 lead through 3 innings, but MNU answered in the bottom of the 3rd when Molly Nicas launched a two-run home run to left, scoring Danica Hobbs and cutting the deficit to 1. MNU continued the momentum in the 4th inning as Hobbs delivered an RBI triple down the right field line, bringing home Senne Imel to tie the game at 3. The Pioneers had an opportunity to score the winning run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th, but the Eagles executed a perfect relay to keep the game alive.
The game remained deadlocked into extra innings, with Mandy Brown settling in to keep Central Methodist off the board through the middle frames. However, in the eighth inning, Central Methodist broke through with a 2-run single to regain the lead. MNU was unable to respond in the bottom half, falling 5-3.
Game 1 Turning Point
Central Methodist's 2-run 8th inning broke the tie.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown went the distance in the loss. And Danica Hobbs (3-4, R, 2B, 3B, RBI), Molly Nicas (2-4, R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Andi Clements (2-4) led the offense.
In Game 2, MNU again showed offensive firepower, collecting 15 hits and scoring 10 runs, highlighted by a big 3rd inning that briefly shifted momentum.
After falling behind 9-1 early, the Pioneers erupted for 5 runs in the 3rd inning. Brie Manwarren ignited the rally with a 2-run homer, and shortly after, Senne Imel delivered the biggest swing of the game with a 3-run homer to make the score 9-6.
MNU continued to chip away, adding a run in the 4th and 3 more in the 5th. But the Eagles continued to add on and came away with the 15-10 victory.
Game 2 Turning Point
CMU scored multiple runs in each of the first 5 innings.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Danica Hobbs (2-4, 3 R, 3B, BB), Brie Manwarren (1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI), Lailah Simmons (3-5, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI), Molly Nicas (2-4, 2B, 2 RBI), Elayna Goff (2-4, R, 2 2B), Senne Imel (1-3, R, HR, 3 RBI, BB), and Tuscani Ritter (3-3, R, 2 2B, BB) had big games at the plate.
Up Next
The next double header is a non-conference event at St. Mary on Wednesday at 2:00/4:00.
Â
