OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College softball team returned to action on Sunday, splitting a non-conference doubleheader with Missouri S&T at Foster Field.
Game 1: MS&T 4 – KWC 1
Despite recording eight hits in game one, the Panthers only produced one run. With one on and two outs in the bottom of the third, Maddie Dawson laid down a double in left field, scoring Jamie Tempel and putting the Panthers ahead 1-0.
Maci Brown worked a 1-2-3 inning in both the fourth and fifth to preserve the lead. The Miners responded with five hits in the top of the sixth, plating four runs. Wesleyan put a runner on third with one out in the bottom of the frame but were unable to plate a run.
Brown moves to 2-2 on the season after going 5.2 innings with eight hits, four runs, four strikeouts and zero walks. Evyn Hendrickson threw the final 1.1 innings, retiring all four batters she faced.
Dawson finished game one three-for-three at the plate with one run driven in. Tempel went two-for-three, scoring the lone run for the Panthers.
Game 2: MS&T 0 – KWC 2
Lexie Mullen led off the bottom of the fourth with a triple to left field for the Panthers. Two batters later, Jaclyn Parker hit a ground ball to second base, but Mullen was able to beat the throw home, giving Wesleyan a 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the sixth Jaylin Tidwell executed a sacrifice bunt that put two runners in scoring position with one out. Mullen grounded out to the pitcher, but speedy Meredith Daunhauer was able to score, extending Wesleyan's lead to 2-0. The Miners led off the sixth with a single to left field, but that would be their lone hit of the final two innings.
Autumn Grady went the distance for her first complete game shutout and second win of the season. The senior worked three 1-2-3 innings, not allowing a runner past first base. Grady struck out five while giving up two hits.
The Panthers play host to Brescia University on Monday back at Foster Field. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 6 pm CT.
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