ROLLA, Mo. -- Missouri S&T opened its home schedule Saturday with a split against No. 18 McKendree, falling 1-0 in the opener before bouncing back for a 2-1 victory in game two. The Miners move to 18-12 overall and 5-3 in GLVC play.
Game 1 – McKendree 1, Missouri S&T 0
Both teams delivered strong performances in the circle, but McKendree edged Missouri S&T 1-0 in a tightly contested opener.
The Bearcats scored the game's lone run in the second inning, capitalizing on a Miners error to take an early lead.
AJ Agers (DeSoto, MO/St. Pius X) turned in a strong outing for S&T, going the distance with a complete-game effort, allowing just one unearned run on three hits while striking out two and walking two.
McKendree's Sami Huck earned the win after tossing a two-hit shutout over seven innings, recording seven strikeouts and three walks.
Offensively, the Miners were limited to two hits, with Taylor Nelson (Hailey, ID/Phillips Exeter Academy) and AJ Agers (DeSoto, MO/St. Pius X) each recording a hit in the loss. S&T also turned a double play defensively in the game.
Game 2 – Missouri S&T 2, McKendree 1
Missouri S&T responded in a big way in game two, earning a 2-1 victory over No. 18 McKendree behind timely hitting and a strong performance in the circle.
After trailing 1-0 early, the Miners rallied in the bottom of the fifth inning to take control. Claire Lopez (Olathe, KS/Olathe Northwest) delivered a key RBI double to left field to tie the game, and AJ Agers (DeSoto, MO/St. Pius X) followed by drawing a bases-loaded walk to bring in the go-ahead run.
Mia Miller (Waterloo, IL/Waterloo) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game while allowing just one run on five hits, striking out four to secure the win.
Offensively, the Miners showed depth throughout the lineup, with Tori Thompson (Chandler, AZ/Basha), Kaylee LaChappell,
Jordyn Davis (Broken Arrow, OK/Broken Arrow),
Ty Neal (Enid, OK/Kremlin-Hilldale),
Claire Lopez (Olathe, KS/Olathe Northwest), and
Molly Fitzgerald (Crystal Lake, IL/Marian Central Catholic) each recording a hit. Lopez led the team with an RBI, while S&T also demonstrated patience at the plate with
four walks.
Defensively, the Miners turned a key double play to help preserve the lead late in the game.
Missouri S&T's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and deliver in clutch moments powered the Miners to the upset win over the nationally ranked Bearcats.
What's Next
Missouri S&T continues its homestand on Sunday, March 29, as the Miners host Illinois Springfield in a GLVC doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 p.m. at the S&T Softball Field.
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