BRANSON, Mo. – Missouri S&T softball closed out its time in Branson on Thursday with a doubleheader sweep of Minnesota Duluth, earning 5–4 and 7–2 victories. Backed by timely home runs and strong performances in the circle, the Miners improved to 13–9 on the season with the pair of nonconference wins.
Game 1 – Missouri S&T 5, Minnesota Duluth 4
Missouri S&T softball held off a late push from Minnesota Duluth to secure a 5–4 victory in game one of Thursday's matchup, powered by timely hitting from the bottom of the Miners' lineup.
Missouri S&T struck first in the second inning when Molly Fitzgerald (Crystal Lake, IL/Marian Central Catholic) launched a two-run home run to center field, giving the Miners an early advantage. S&T added to its lead in the fourth as
Keira Jones (Richmond Hill, GA/Richmond Hill) connected on a three-run homer to right field, extending the Miners' lead to 5–0.
The bottom of the Missouri S&T lineup proved crucial in the win, as Jones, Ty Neal (Enid, OK/Kremlin-Hilldale), and Fitzgerald combined for four of the Miners' six hits, while accounting for three runs scored and five RBIs. Jones led the way offensively, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs from the nine spot in the lineup.
In the circle, AJ Agers (DeSoto, MO/St. Pius X) turned in a strong start for the Miners, allowing one run on four hits over 4.1 innings while striking out five without issuing a walk. Mia Miller (Waterloo, IL/Waterloo) came on in relief to help close out the contest as Minnesota Duluth attempted a late comeback.
Game 2 – Missouri S&T 7, Minnesota Duluth 2
Missouri S&T completed the sweep on Thursday with a 7–2 victory over Minnesota Duluth,
powered by a breakout performance from
Keira Jones (Richmond Hill, GA/Richmond Hill) and a strong effort in the circle.
Jones provided the biggest swing of the game in the second inning, launching a grand slam to right field to put the Miners firmly in control. The blast accounted for four of S&T's runs and helped spark an early offensive surge.
The Miners added to their lead later in the contest when Trista Grobe (DeSoto, MO/DeSoto) delivered a solo home run to left field in the fifth inning,
extending the advantage and continuing Missouri S&T's strong offensive day at the plate.
In the circle, Tinley Beecham (Mapleton, IL/Illini Bluffs) turned in an impressive outing for the Miners, allowing just one run (unearned) on four hits over six innings while striking out two and walking one. Mia Miller (Waterloo, IL/Waterloo) came on in relief to help secure the victory.
Missouri S&T showed patience at the plate throughout the game, drawing seven walks, with Claire Lopez (Olathe, KS/Olathe Northwest) leading the way with three free passes. The disciplined approach helped the Miners maintain pressure offensively and pull away for the win.
What's Next
The Miners are back in action on Saturday, March 14 as they begin the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play in Springfield, Missouri in double header action against Drury. The first pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
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