Kansas City
Wichita State
?Roos Take Game One, But Drop Game Two to Wichita State in Home Finale
5/2/2012 11:55:00 PM | Softball
In game one, the Kangaroos took an early 1-0 in the second when outfielder Megan Vicino singled to short as pinch runner Bri Wyatt scored from third.
In fourth with the bases loaded and infielder Danielle Bennefeld at the plate, same score, UMKC increased its lead to two when Wichita State attempted to pick-off Vicino at first, but infielder Megan Ussary scored from third as Vicino moved to second and outfielder Anna Sokolik advanced to third.
Later in the inning, Bennefeld RBI-singled to right as Vicino and Sokolik scored to make it a 4-0 ball game.
In the seventh, Wichita State led off the inning with two singles, followed by pitcher Cinda Ramos (11-13) hitting infielder Erin Carney to load the bases. Next up, infielder Melanie Jaegers flew out to left, but outfielder Sydney Stuever tagged up from third to cut the deficit to three.
Later in the inning with two outs and two on, same score, Ramos walked pinch hitter Holly Eckert to load the bases. But, the Olathe, Kan. native answered by forcing infielder Layne Greenlee to ground out to third to end the game.
In game two in the third, no score, UMKC infielder Kelly Fischer singled to left as infielder Kaelene Curry scored from second to make it a 1-0 ball game.
In the sixth for Wichita State, same score, outfielder Rachel Milnark doubled to right-center off Ramos, followed by designated player Danika Miller reaching first on an error by UMKC as Milnark advanced to third.
Next up after Miller stole second, outfielder Sydney Stuever flew out to center, but Milnark tagged up to tie the game.
In the seventh with runners in scoring position and two outs for the Shockers, same score, UMKC held steady as Milnark grounded out to Ramos to end the inning.
As for the Kangaroos in the seventh, Bennefeld hit a two-out single to pitcher Katherine Johnson (2-3), but ensuing batter outfielder Ashley Whiteside grounded out to third to send the game to extra innings.
In eighth for Wichita State with Milnark placed at second, Miller laid down a bunt towards third, but a throwing error by UMKC resulted in Milnark scoring and Miller advancing to second on the throw to home. The Shockers would later extend its lead to two when Carney tripled to center to bring Miller from second.
In hopes of a rally with Wyatt placed at second, Curry led off the inning by flying out to catcher Brianne Bond in foul territory. Next up after Wyatt advanced to third on a passed-ball, new pitcher Sloan Anderson (3) walked Fischer to put runners at the corners.
Then, designated player Chelsea Hartwig grounded out to second to drive in Wyatt as Fischer moved to third. Down to its last out, Ussary went down swinging to end the game.
Despite going 1-1 on the day, Ramos started both games while allowing nine hits and two earned runs to go along with two strikeouts and three walks.
Up next, the 'Roos will look to keep their league tournament hopes alive as they will travel to Western Illinois to conclude the regular season on Saturday (12 p.m. and 2 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.).
To guarantee a spot, UMKC would have to sweep the Leathernecks, but a loss would eliminate the Kangaroos from competing in the league tournament.
