MANKATO, Minn — It was far from straightforward, but Griffon Softball found success in the win column for the first time in 2022 after Saturday's comeback victory over Minnesota State University-Mankato, 8-5.
For the third-straight game, Missouri Western went ahead first, this time thanks to a Sydni Hawkins single to center field, scoring Emma Hoffart. Hawkins finished with another outstanding outing, hitting 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. However, just like the first two games of 2022, MWSU did not stay ahead for long.
Griffon pitcher Sydney Rader, who struck out nine and gave up just three runs in 8 1/3 innings yesterday, was taken deep for a homer and gave up three doubles. After two innings from Rader, MWSU trailed 4-1. Despite their starting pitcher giving up four earned runs in two innings, the Griffons caught a second wind in the third.
The Mavericks tarnished their lead in the third with two errors on one play. Hawkins reached on an error by pitcher Mackenzie Ward, and Kylie DeHook scored off an errant play by the right fielder. Maddie Swanson then shot a base hit to second, scoring Hawkins and shortening the deficit to 4-3.
Just like that, MWSU was back in business, but Minnesota State-Mankato still had some fuel left to burn. The Mavericks tacked on one more with a solo shot in the bottom of the third, making it 5-3. Nobody scored in the fourth inning, but It turns out the Griffons did not need any runs then, saving up for a four-run explosion in the fifth.
Pinch-Hitting Heroics
Once again, Hawkins came through with an RBI single to score Hoffart once more and make it a 5-4 game. The Griffons loaded the bases, and Coach Joe Yegge decided to put Si Culver in a pinch-hitting position. It paid off with a bases-clearing double to left field, giving the Griffons their second lead of the night at 7-5 at the end of five innings played.
A Hawkins hack double to center field padded MWSU's lead at 8-5 and eventually helped secure their first win of the season. Griffon pitcher Natalie Kissinger came through in relief with the win, only giving up two hits in five innings.
Next Up
Missouri Western (1-2) waits until 9 a.m. on Sunday to even up their record when they play Concordia-St. Paul (3-1) for a second time this weekend. This is to make up for Saturday's canceled game against Maryville University. The Griffons will also play Lewis University (0-2) afterwards at 11:30 a.m to conclude the Minnesota State DII Softball Classic.
