Eutectics Split with Vikings in Saturday Non-Conference Games

MARSHALL, MO. – The Eutectic softball team split a non-conference doubleheader on Saturday afternoon at Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo. The Eutectics fell 5-4 to the Vikings in Game 1, but came back to decisively win Game 2 in five innings, 10-1.

GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS:
MVC 5, UHSP 4

• MVC marked the board first in the first inning off a home run by Allison Loucas.
• In the top of the third, the Eutectics scored four runs to take a 4-1 lead. With two outs, Lexi Knoll recorded an RBI walk, scoring Kailey Samora who had singled to reach base. Then, Alicia Kimble singled to center to score Hunter Noto before an MVC pitching change. But, Trysten Murphy hit a two-run double (scoring Knoll and Hallie Roper) off new pitcher Kyleigh Villarreal before the final out.
• The Eutectics held the 4-1 lead until the bottom of the seventh inning when the Vikings hit back-to-back doubles off starting UHSP pitcher Emma Henley to score one run. The home team maintained the momentum after a pitching change to score another three runs and take the lead to secure the win 5-4.
• Emma Henley pitched 6.1 innings for the Eutectics, allowing nine hits, five earned runs, zero walks, and three strikeouts.
• Trysten Murphy and Payton Reinbott each recorded doubles for the Eutectics with RBIs from Murphy (2), Lexi Knoll, and Alicia Kimble.
• Kyleigh Villarreal recorded the win for the Vikings with three hits, four earned runs, two walks, and two strikeouts in 2.2 innings.  

GAME 2 HIGHLIGHTS:
UHSP 10, MVC 1

• Without missing a beat, the Eutectics took a 4-0 lead after the second inning of Game 2. It all started with Lexi Knoll leading off the inning with a home run. Two walks, a fielder's choice, and an error scored Alicia Kimble for the second UHSP run. Payton Reinbott doubled to center to score Makenzie Ness. Then, two wild pitches from MVC reliever Morgan Clubb scored Reinbott for a 4-0 UHSP lead.  
• The Purple and Gold scored another two runs in the top of the third when a walk, two singles (by Kimble and Mackenzie Nelson), and an error scored Lexi Knoll. Then, Makenzie Ness hit an RBI single to left field, scoring Kendal Strozier.
• With the Eutectics up 6-0, the Vikings finally marked the board in the bottom of the third off a single, a stolen base, and an error to make it 6-1.
• But, the Eutectics would return in the top of the fourth to score four more runs off six hits and an error to take a 10-1 lead. Then, the Purple and Gold would hold the Vikings through two more innings to win the game in five innings with the 10-1 score.
• UHSP newcomer Talianna Joyner picked up the win for the Eutectics on the mound, pitching all five innings and allowing six hits, no earned runs, one walk, and one strikeout.
• Lexi Knoll led the Eutectics at the plate, going 3-for-3, including a home run and two RBIs. Makenzie Ness picked up three RBIs off two hits, while Alicia Kimble went 2-for-2 and Payton Reinbott recorded another double.

UP NEXT:

The Eutectics will host Briar Cliff University (Iowa) for the home opener on Tuesday, Mar. 4, for a double header with game times at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Affton Athletic Association.