Leavenworth, Kan. – McPherson Softball was on the road this past Saturday for a matchup with the University of Saint Mary Spires. The Bulldogs entered the contest looking for their first conference win of the season, while the Spires aimed to improve after splitting their first KCAC series against York.
The Basics
Location: USM Softball Complex
Records: MC 6-10 (KCAC 0-4), USM 10-10 (KCAC 3-1)
Game One: MC 0, USM 2
Game One of the doubleheader was a pitcher's duel that featured five scoreless innings. Saint Mary's Grace Rose earned her first shutout of the season, allowing seven hits while keeping the Bulldogs off of the scoreboard all game long. McPherson's
Samantha Hollingsworth also delivered a strong performance in the circle, surrendering just four hits and striking out five batters.
Rose helped her own cause in the fourth inning, hitting a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Grace Brewer and score the first run of the game for the Spires. Saint Mary doubled their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when Briana Solis drove in a run with a double.
McPherson threatened in the top of the seventh with two runners reaching base, but the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize as the Spires secured a 2-0 win in the opening game of the doubleheader.
Game Two: MC 0, USM 8
Game Two followed a similar script for the Bulldogs who managed just two hits and were shutout for the second time in the doubleheader. Meanwhile, the Spires found their offensive rhythm as the hosts finished with eight runs.
Saint Mary opened the scoring in the third inning with a five-run frame sparked by four singles, a triple, and a stolen base. The Spires added to their lead later in the game when Audrey Spellman delivered a two-run single and later came around to score on a triple by Kate Robinette.
The surge proved more than enough for Saint Mary as the Spires secured an 8-0 victory to complete the series sweep.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will continue their streak of road contests on Wednesday when they head to Sterling, Kansas for a doubleheader against the Warriors. First pitch of Game One is set for 3:00 PM.
