ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Griffon Softball (28-17, 7-13 MIAA) took care of business at home Friday, sweeping a doubleheader from Avila with a 7-1 win in game one followed by a 3-2 extra-inning victory in game two at Griffon Softball Field.
Game 1 MoWest 7, Avila 1
MoWest opened its doubleheader with a 7-1 win over Avila on Friday, using a big third inning and strong pitching to take control early.
MWSU struck first in the opening inning as
Ayva McComas launched a two-run home run to center, giving the Griffons a quick 2-0 lead. The offense added on in the second with an RBI single from
Kalee Higdon to make it 3-0.
The Griffons broke the game open in the third, plating four runs. Brooklyn Clark and
Lauren Newlin each drove in runs on fielder's choices before
Sienna Reed delivered the biggest hit of the inning, a two-RBI triple to right-center that pushed the lead to 7-0.
Avila got on the board in the fourth with a solo home run, but that would be the only run allowed by the Griffon pitching staff.
Harley Pruetting (W, 12-4) earned the win, tossing 4.0 innings and allowing one run on four hits while striking out four.
Torie Sandoval closed it out with three scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and striking out five.
Game 2 MoWest 3, Avila 2
MoWest secured the doubleheader sweep with a 3-2 win over Avila on Friday afternoon in game two.
MoWest broke through first in the fourth inning as
Ashlyn Finarty launched a solo home run to give the Griffons a 1-0 lead. Avila responded late, tying the game in the seventh before taking a 2-1 advantage in the eighth.
The Griffons answered immediately in the bottom half of the eighth.
Luna Flores delivered a sacrifice fly to even the score, and Finarty came through again with an RBI single to center, bringing home the go-ahead run and sealing the 3-2 victory.
In the circle,
Aubrey Dare turned in a strong start, tossing 6.2 innings while allowing just one run on four hits with four strikeouts.
Torie Sandoval earned the win in relief, closing out the final 1.1 innings.
What's Next
Griffon Softball stay home Tuesday, April 28 for an MIAA DH against No. 2 Pittsburg State at Griffon Softball Field. First pitch is set for 4 p.m., with game two to follow at 6 p.m. The DH was rescheduled from April 11.
