Softball
SBU splits games with CMSU in exciting fashion
By
Apr 11, 2006, 19:03

[Pictures vs. CMSU]

[Game 1] [Game 2]

Amanda Orchard hit the game winning run in for the win in game 1. She had four hits on the day and two RBI.

BOLIVAR, MO. ... Two exciting softball games took place at the SBU softball field as Southwest Baptist University won the first game over Central Missouri State.  SBU won 3-2 in game one and then fell 3-2 in nine innings in game two.

The 3-2 win over CMSU is SBU's first since the 2002 season when the Bearcats won 7-6 in Warrensburg.

Amanda Orchard went 4-of-8 in the two games with two RBI and two doubles. 

Game 1

SBU 3, CMSU 2

The Bearcats fought to the end in both games but game one proved to be SBU's as they scored the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning for the win.  Amy Marshall started the inning on base courtesy to an error by CMSU.  Rebecca Cook then singled to add two runners on base.  Both runners advanced to scoring position as senior Cheratin Dunn sacrificed her at bat with a bunt.  Amanda Orchard then hit the game winning run in with a single through the left side of the infield as SBU won, 3-2.

SBU scored first in the game as Orchard scored in the 2nd inning on a Cyndi Euliss sacrifice fly.  Orchard started off the inning with a double and advanced to third on a Tara Phillips sacrifice bunt.

The Bearcats made it 2-0 in the 6th inning when Michelle Thompson singled to right field to score Euliss.  After two outs, Euliss doubled down the left field line to get on base and then advanced to 3rd on an error by the leftfielder.

CMSU made things interesting in the top of the 7th as they scored two runs to tie the game at two.  SBU made the comeback in the bottom of the inning for the win.

Stephanie Martin pitched the complete game and recorded six strikeouts as she improved to 9-10 on the year.  Orchard led SBU's offense as she had two hits in four at bats with one RBI.

Rebecca Cook recorded a RBI in game 2.

Game 2

CMSU 3, SBU 2

The Jennies returned the favor in game two but it took the nine innings to do so.  Once again SBU took the early lead as Rebecca Cook singled home Marshall in the 3rd inning for the 1-0 lead. 

CMSU had a chance to blow open the game in the fifth with the bases loaded and two outs but Lyndsey Fisher got out of the jam.  After walking CMSU's Whitcomb to load the bases, she got hte next batter to ground out and end the inning.

It was not until the 6th inning that CMSU took a 2-1 lead.  SBU answered in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at two.  Orchard picked up her second RBI of the series when she doubled home Dunn from second base to tie the game. 

In the top of 9th, CMSU's Kristy Furrer started the inning off with a home run to retake the lead, 3-2.

SBU tried to rally in the bottom of the inning but could not get a runner past second base.

Fisher took the loss with two strikeouts as she went 8.1 innings.  Martin finished the final two outs of the 9th inning.

Orchard led SBU with a 2-of-4 performance and one RBI.