RSU Athletics
Benjamin Dishong, Assistant Athletic Director for Athletics Communication
CLAREMORE – The Rogers State Softball program picked up a doubleheader sweep of Central Missouri Thursday afternoon in their home opener, extending the Hillcats win streak to six games.
Rogers State (13-4), led by Andrea Morales, pitched a 6-0 shutout in game one and the Hillcats then came from behind to defeat the Jennies (4-4) 5-4 in game two.
Five days after throwing a no hitter against Central Missouri at the Conway Classic, Morales pitched another shutout to earn her eighth victory of the season. Morales scattered six hits, recording three strikeouts.
The Hillcats broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning off the bat of Sierra Skaggs, who hit a solo homerun to left center. Rogers State then loaded the bases and Tailee Reding drew a walk to double the Hillcats lead.
With the bases still loaded, Mikayla Waggnor hit a two-RBI single through the left side, putting the Hillcats ahead 4-0.
Allie McFetridge would follow it up two batters later with another single, this time through the right side, bringing home Waggnor.
After bating around in the inning, Skaggs capped the scoring with a single to score Danelle Day.
In game two, Central Missouri broke a 13-inning scoreless drought against the Hillcats with a run in the top of the first.
Rylee DeLozier tied the game at one in the bottom of the second with a solo homerun to centerfield.
After the Jennies scored two runs in the top of the third to go back in front, Rogers State rallied to tie the game.Abigail Taylor hit a two-RBI single with the bases loaded to center field. Katelyn Gamble and Day scored on the play.
Rogers State would take the lead in the fifth inning off the bat of Taylor again. With DeLozier on, Taylor hit a homerun to left field to put the Hillcats ahead 5-3.
Central Missouri would get one run back in the seventh, but Tailee Reding held on to pick up a win in relief. Reding tossed 2.2 innings, allowing one run on two hits. Reding had one strikeout.
Bailey Killough tossed 4.1 innings to start the game, allowing three runs on eight hits in a no decision.
Rogers State returns to action on Sunday, hosting St. Edward’s in a doubleheader to open up Heartland Conference play. The doubleheader is set to begin at 1 p.m. at the Diamond Sports Complex.