Kansas City
Missouri State
UMKC Drops Heartbreaker to Missouri State
3/12/2015 1:48:00 AM | Softball
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – UMKC dropped a pair of games to Missouri State on Wednesday evening in what amounted to a replacement on the schedule for the previously canceled Rally for Allie in Springfield, Mo. The Bears handled the 'Roos (10-10) 6-4 in game one before shocking UMKC 15-14 in game two.
The 'Roos took an early lead in the first game of the double dip, plating three runs in the top of the second inning, two of which came as a result of Kelsey Leach's RBI double to centerfield, plating Alex Friloux and Kelsey Goodwin. For Leach, it was just the start of what would be her best afternoon at the plate as a collegian.
Missouri State would return fire with a run in the home half of the third and four more in the fourth inning, ultimately holding off UMKC in a two-run victory.
In the nightcap, the Bears jumped out in front early with a five-run first, but the 'Roos came alive offensively. Marlee Maples put UMKC on the board with a solo shot in the top of the second. One inning later, Leach led off the frame with a double down the left field line, followed by a Brooke Parker infield single. Three batters later, Cinda Ramos belted a three-run shot to pull the 'Roos within a run.
UMKC exploded in the top of the fourth, plating six runs to take the lead and extend the margin. A run scored when Kelsey Volle was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. One batter later, Emily Bevan cleared the bases with a 3 RBI double to right-centerfield. After a pitching change, Ramos homered for the second time, the two-run variety, to cap the fourth inning scoring.
The 'Roos added three in the fifth inning when Leach followed a pair of singles by Friloux and Alex Gale with a three-run home run. One inning later, Bevan added an insurance run with a RBI single through the left side, and it appeared as though UMKC would even the series with Missouri State.
That was not to be, however, as the hosts rallied with three runs before Rebecca McPherson strode to the plate with two on and two out with her team trailing by two runs. Moments later, nightmare became reality for UMKC, as McPherson lifted a three-run walk-off home run to centerfield to hand the home team an inexplicable 15-14 victory.
In spite of the disappointing results, the 'Roos were not without hitting stars on this day. Leach finished up 5-for-6 with a home run and five RBI. Cinda Ramos combined to go 4-for-8 with four RBI and the multi-homer game in the latter of the two contests.
UMKC will travel to Lawrence, Kan., on Friday to take part in the Jayhawk Invitational.
