ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Western softball team played its first MIAA doubleheader Tuesday as they swept Lincoln at the Spring Sports Complex to extend their win streak to six games. The Griffons run-ruled the Blue Tigers in five innings in the opener, 8-0, and they won game two, 7-3, to improve to 11-1 this season and 2-0 in the MIAA.
GAME 1 – Missouri Western 8, Lincoln 0 (5 Innings)
Emma Hoffart and
Taylor Hoelscher each drove in a run in the first inning to help MWSU get off to an early 3-0 lead.
Brea Blanton added an RBI single in the second and then
Sydni Hawkins capped off the scoring with a two-out grand slam in the third inning.
That was more than enough for Griffon starter
Sydney Rader as she went four scoreless innings and allowed just one hit. She struck out four and didn't walk a batter as she is now 5-0 this season with a 0.75 ERA.
Natalie Kissinger came on in relief to get the final three outs in the fifth inning.
Hawkins finished 3-for-3 with three runs, four RBI and two stolen bases. Hoelscher added two hits for Missouri Western.
GAME 2 – Missouri Western 7, Lincoln 3
The Griffons took a 1-0 lead in the first inning of game two on a double steal as
Emma Hoffart was able to score a run. MWSU extended its lead in the second with three, two-out runs.
Kalyn Damgaard had a two RBI single to center and
Sydni Hawkins then drove in Damgaard with a single up the middle.
Missouri Western then got a solo home run from Hoffart in the third inning and a two-run homer in the fourth from
Rian Gere to take a 7-0 lead. Lincoln scored three runs late, but
Kaili Hinds was able to throw a complete game to improve to 4-0 this season.
Hinds gave up three runs on 11 hits. She struck out three and walked one.
Hawkins, Hoffart and Gere had two this each for the Griffons, while Hoffart, Gere and
Rachel Stewart scored two runs apiece.
UP NEXT
Missouri Western now gets set for a busy weekend as they host the Hy-Vee Classic at the Spring Sports Complex and Heritage Park. The Griffons will play six NSIC teams as they play two each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.