By: Luke Rinne, Assistant Sports Information Director
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Box Score 2
(Rolla, Mo.) – Down to its final six outs the Missouri S&T Lady Miners scored two runs in the sixth and added two more with two outs in the seventh to rally past Lincoln 5-4 and earn a sweep over the Blue Tigers. S&T won the first game 2-0 behind a four-hit shutout from Taylor Keal (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs South).
In the nightcap Lincoln (5-9) scored two runs on four hits in the opening inning getting an RBI single from Raschel Hoeflicker and a bases loaded walk to Brianna Weber for its runs.
The Lady Miners (5-13) threatened in each of the first two innings putting the tying runs on base but couldn't drive them in. They cut the deficit in half in the fourth when Lauren Briggs (LaMonte, Mo./Knob Noster) hit a two out double to left center driving in Jamie Hatlan (Fenton, Mo./Rockwood Summit ) from first.
The Blue Tigers answered with a pair of runs in the fifth both coming with two outs on a bunt single with a runners on the corner and a single to left center.
S&T started its comeback in the sixth. Adrienne Kruse (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) led off the inning with a single down the right field line and scored on Kate Runyan (Crown Point, Ind./Boone Grove)'s double to left center. Hatlan then singled and advanced to second as the throw went through to the plate. Runyan then tried to score on a ball that got away from the catcher but was thrown out at the plate.
Briggs then singled past the first baseman to drive in Hatlan. Jennifer Sardigal (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) then worked a walk which put two runners on for Kassi Deibert (Highland, Ill./Highland). Deibert worked a full count before ripping a ball to deep right that the wind held up and allowed the right fielder to make the play for the second out. Kaylea Smith (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs) then worked a full count but grounded out to short to end the inning.
In the seventh Katie Smith (Shawnee, Kan./Shawnee Mission Northwest) got the rally started with a one out walk. After a strikeout Runyan singled to left center then Hatlan drove in the game tying run with a bloop double to left center. With Briggs batting, Runyan scored the game winner on a wild pitch.
Briggs, Kaylea Smith (Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs) and Runyan combined for 9 of the 13 hits. Kruse and Hatlan had two hits apiece.
Keal picked up her second win of the afternoon pitching the final 2.1 in relief allowing no runs on two hits with a walk. She improved to 4-5 on the year.
In the first game S&T scored single runs in the second and third innings which was all Keal needed.
The Lady Miners scored their first run with two outs. Runyan singled through the right side then scored on Briggs double to center.
Deibert added an opposite field home run with one out in the third.
Six different players had a hit for S&T in the contest.
Keal went the distance striking out four and walking only one.
The Lady Miners return to GLVC play this weekend traveling to Kentucky. They take on Northern Kentucky on Saturday afternoon beginning at 11 a.m. (CST).
