Western Climbs MIAA Standings with Sweep of Northwest
By: Matthew Tritten
Updated: March 20, 2013
(MARYVILLE, Mo.) Nothing came easy for Missouri Western and Northwest batters went up against two of the best pitchers in the MIAA Tuesday afternoon.
But in the end it was the Griffons, behind pitching from Jackie Bishop, that triumphed in the first game of a doubleheader 2-1.
Western (16-8, 4-2 MIAA) kept the momentum rolling into game two for a 6-4 to complete the sweep of Northwest (13-7, 3-3 MIAA).
The win moves the Griffs one game back of Fort Hays in the conference standings, while Northwest fell from second to fourth with its third loss in four games.
Bishop didn't allow a hit for the first 3 1/3 innings of the first game, a contest that lasted eight innings, and only gave up four hits. The Kirksville native picked up the win giving up just one earned run and striking out 14 on the way to a complete game.
The Bearcats were able to get to Bishop in the fourth inning. Stephanie Price singled in the second at-bat of the frame, followed by a single from Madison Jones. Kristen Uthe came through for the third consecutive hit to score Price from second.
That run matched the Griffons second inning run, a solo homer by Megan Roemmich.
Roemmich's home run was the only earned run that Northwest's starter Jenna Creger would give up.
Creger also went the distance, allowing seven hits and seven strikeouts, but walked seven batters.
Missouri Western pushed across the final run in the top of the eighth inning. Kendall Sorenson reached on an error, and scored on Taylor Anding's single two batters later.
Game two each side offered more run support for its pitchers.
Tied 3-3 in the sixth inning, Taylor Anding drew a walk with he bases loaded to score the go-ahead run. Sarah Elliot followed it up with an infield single allowing Sorensen to score.
Northwest cut into the lead in the bottom of the sixth when Kylie Cantrell hit a solo home run.
Missouri Western was able to steal that run back in the top of the seventh to seal the win.
Janie Smith got the win throwing 4 2/3 innings of relief, allowing three earned runs and striking out one.
Paige Blythe took the loss for Northwest. Blythe gave up two earned runs during one inning of relief.
