Rose earns 600th strikeout in split with Shockers

Missouri State got a double from Duckworth in the third and a double by Brentz in the fifth, but were unable to push across a run in either inning.  Brentz just missed her first career home run as her double hit high off the right center field wall, just inches from going out.

 

Wichita State would take advantage in the sixth inning.  The Shockers got a leadoff single and an MSU throwing error on the subsequent sacrifice bunt gave WSU two runners in scoring position with no outs.  Jones battled back to get two outs before a single up the middle scored two runs for WSU.

 

The Bears continued to press on.  Kerri Cunningham led off the bottom of the sixth with an infield single.  She advanced to second on a sac bunt by Lauren Eisenreich.  Chapin followed and reached on a fielder’s choice as Cunningham’s speed caused the Shocker shortstop to misplay the ground ball to the left side.  With runners on the corners, Jones laid down a perfect bunt up the first base line, easily plating Cunningham from third to cut the Shocker lead in half.

 

The Shockers would put the game out of reach with a two-out three run home run in the seventh.  Natalie Rose would record career strikeout number 600 with an inning-ending strikeout of Layne Greenlee.

 

Missouri State will now set out on a four-game road trip beginning in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  The Bears will face the first-place Panthers on Saturday and Sunday with noon starts both days.  MSU will head to Wichita to play a single game against the Shockers next Wednesday before returning to Killian Stadium for the final home stand of the season.  Senior weekend is set for April 28 and 29 against Indiana State.  Fans will be admitted free to the Senior Day game on April 29 at 12:00 p.m.

 

MSU Sports Information - Tomothy Bohn