McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs welcomed the Eagles of Southwestern Christian University on Friday for a doubleheader. McPherson looked to get back on track after dropping five straight following a 3-0 start to the season, while Southwestern Christian aimed to continue their strong start with just one loss on the year.
The Basics
Location: Bulldog Park
Records: MC 4-6, SCU 8-2
Game One: MC 7, SCU 11
Southwestern Christian came out swinging in Game One, plating six runs across the first two innings. McPherson answered in the bottom of the second, cutting the deficit to four behind a home run from Justice Large and an RBI single from Savannah Robles.
Three more runs from the Eagles extended their lead and put the game out of reach for the Bulldogs. McPherson continued to battle, scoring five additional runs throughout the contest, but Southwestern Christian matched them with two of their own in the end to secure the 11-7 victory.
Game Two: MC 8, SCU 2
Looking to split the doubleheader, the Bulldogs turned to Samantha Hollingsworth.
She delivered.
Hollingsworth tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs on six hits while striking out six and walking one. Just like they did in Game One, the Eagles got on the board first after scoring one run in the top of the opening inning. McPherson responded immediately in the bottom half as Robles crossed the plate with the tying run before a double from Hailey Shubin cleared the bases and gave the Bulldogs a 4-1 advantage.
Another double in the second, this time off the bat of Mackenzie Birch, brought Shubin home and extended the lead to 5-1. Southwestern Christian added its second and final run in the fifth, but McPherson matched it once again to maintain control.
The Bulldogs tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth and closed the door in the seventh, retiring the Eagles in order to secure the 8-2 win.
Up Next
McPherson heads south on Friday for a doubleheader against the Hesston College Larks, with Game One set for a 2:00 PM first pitch.
