Fayette, Mo. - The No. 6 Central Methodist Softball team split its Sunday doubleheader against Graceland University at Cox Softball Complex.
Central won the first game, 8-0, in five innings before Graceland bounced back with a 1-0 win in game two.
The Eagles now stand at 19-5 and 3-1 in the Heart of America, while Graceland moves to 10-18 and 3-1 in conference action.
Game 1: No. 6 CMU 8 - Graceland 0
Central jumped out in front with three runs in the bottom of the second inning. A Rachel Brandt double to left center to score Lauren Hill got the inning started for CMU.
Two batters later and with runners at second and third, Daly Garland grounded out to the shortstop, who elected to get the out at first and allowed Brandt to score from third.
The third and final run of the inning came off the bat of Joely Crider, who singled to left field to score Makayla Albert.
Central's next run came in the third, as Madison Roberts scored on a triple to right field which was followed by an error from the right fielder. This error gave Roberts enough time to scamper home for Central's fourth run of the game.
After back-to-back outs to begin the fourth, Crider hit a solo shot to right field to put CMU up 5-0.
The Eagles capped the game with three runs in the fifth. With the bases loaded, Brandt drew a bases loaded walk to give CMU a 6-0 advantage.
Back-to-back singles from Makayla Albert and Garland put the finishing touches on Central's 8-0 shut out.
Roberts highlighted an impressive batting lineup for Central, going a perfect three-for-three with three RBI. The junior was just a home run shy of hitting for the cycle.
Khloe Perkins picked up her fifth win of the year in the circle, allowing no runs on just four hits.
Game 2: Graceland 1 - No. 6 CMU 0
The Yellowjackets tightened up their pitching and defense in game two, holding CMU to no runs and just five hits.
GU's lone score of the game came in the top of the first inning, as a pair of passed balls were enough to bring in a run.
Central had runners in scoring position in both the first and fourth innings but were unable to bring them across.
The Eagles had their best opportunity of the game in the fifth, with just one out and runners at the corners. But Graceland's pitching retired consecutive Eagle batters to maintain their slim lead.
With one out in the bottom of the seventh, a double from Garland put the tying run at second base. However, Graceland's pitching and excellent defensive play held CMU off the scoreboard in the Eagles' final two at-bats.
With the defeat, Central suffered their first loss in conference play since May 29, 2023.
Haley Cotter was the starter for Central. The right-hander threw a complete game, giving up no earned runs on just two hits while striking out three.
Up Next:
CMU will continue Heart play Saturday, March 29, as they travel to Dubuque, Iowa to take on Clarke University.
First pitch for game one is slated for 1:00 p.m. from Veterans Memorial Park.
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