Softball | 4/14/2010 12:00:00 AM
McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson softball team fell in extra innings after rallying from three down in the bottom of the seventh, as the Spires plated one run in the eighth inning seal a 6-5 victory over the Bulldogs in game two of a doubleheader on Tuesday evening at Wall Park.
McPherson was down three runs entering the seventh inning. That all changed when Green tied the game in dramatic fashion by hitting a game-tying three-run homer over the left field fence. But the Spires took full advantage of the international tiebreaker rule in the top of the eighth, as USM base runner Lanie Masoner scored on an Amie Riddle fielder’s choice. The run lifted the Spires to the 6-5 extra inning victory.
The loss drops McPherson to 6-12-1 on the season and 1-7 in KCAC play, while the Spires improve to 4-22 and 2-4 in conference.
Freshman right-hander Kelsey Dutton (4-6) took the loss for McPherson. She pitched a complete game allowing six runs (five earned) on 11 hits, while striking out four and walking two.
Offensively for McPherson, Green and sophomore Katie Logan produced two hit games. Green finished the night 2-for-3 with two runs, one walk and three RBI, while Logan was 2-for-4, including a double and run scored.
McPherson struggled to open the game, allowing USM to jump to a 5-0 lead after two innings of play.
The Bulldogs finally found the scoreboard in the sixth. McPherson loaded the bases with no outs on a pair of walks and a hit by pitch before junior Ashley Toepfer picked up two RBI with a single to left-center. The runs cut the USM lead to three, 5-2 with one inning remaining.
MC rallied again in the next inning with a three-run homer off the bat of Sadie Green. However, USM took the lead back in the top of the next frame and the Bulldogs proved unable to answer in the bottom.
McPherson will look to rebound on Friday, April 16, as they travel to Ottawa University. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
