The Basics
Score 1: MNU 9 – Stephens 0 (6 innings)
Score 2: MNU 3 – Stephens 2
Records: MNU (12-6), Stephens (1-11)
Location: Columbia, Mo. - American Legion
COLUMBIA, Mo. – MNU completed a doubleheader sweep of Stephens on Monday, dominating Game 1 in a 9-0 run-rule victory before holding on for a 3-2 win in Game 2.
In Game 1, MNU took control early and backed a dominant pitching performance from Mandy Brown. The Pioneers struck first in the opening inning when Lailah Simmons singled to bring home Brie Manwarren and give MNU a 1-0 lead.
The Pioneers extended the advantage in the 3rd inning. After Molly Nicas reached base, Senne Imel launched a 2-run home run to center field to push the lead to 3-0.
MNU added another run in the 5th inning when Danica Hobbs singled and later scored on a fielder's choice from Molly Nicas, stretching the lead to 4-0.
The offense broke the game open in the 6th inning with 5 runs. Dakoda Hobbs doubled and Tuscani Ritter followed with a single before Danica Hobbs lined a two-run single to center field. Moments later, Brie Manwarren blasted a 3-run home run to center field to extend the lead to 9-0.
Brown handled the rest in the circle, striking out 11 while allowing just three hits across six scoreless innings to secure the run-rule victory for the Pioneers.
Game 1 Turning Point
The run in the 1st proved to be enough.
Game 1 Individual Leaders
Mandy Brown struck out 11 in a complete-game 6-inning shutout. And Danica Hobbs (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI), Brie Manwarren (2-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI), Lailah Simmons (2-4, RBI), Molly Nicas (2-4, R, RBI), Senne Imel (2-4, R, HR, 2 RBI), and Dakoda Hobbs (2-3, R, 2B) led the offense.
In Game 2, MNU built an early lead and held off a late rally from Stephens to complete the doubleheader sweep.
The Pioneers broke through in the 4th inning when Danica Hobbs delivered an RBI single to left field that scored Elayna Goff and made it 1-0.
MNU added 2 more runs in the 5th inning. Molly Nicas singled and Senne Imel reached base before Dakoda Hobbs knocked them in with 2 outs, extending the lead to 3-0.
Stephens answered in the sixth inning with a two-run single to cut the lead to 3-2, but the Pioneers pitching staff closed the door late.
Grace Berlage started the game with 3 scoreless innings before Brie Manwarren worked 3 innings in relief to earn the win. Mandy Brown then pitched a scoreless 7th inning to record the save and secure the victory.
Game 2 Turning Point
The 2-run 5th inning provided the cushion MNU needed.
Game 2 Individual Leaders
Grace Berlage pitched 3 scoreless innings. Brie Manwarren earned the win with 5 strikeouts in relief. Mandy Brown recorded the save. And Danica Hobbs (2-3, RBI, BB, 2 SB) and Dakoda Hobbs (3-3, RBI) combined for 5 hits.
Up Next
The next double header starts conference play on Friday at Clarke at 1:00/3:00.
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