April 25, 2012

Box Score

The Missouri State softball team (20-22, 8-12) fell behind early and dropped a 2-0 game to Wichita State (13-34, 6-15) at Wilkins Stadium in Wichita, Kan., on Wednesday evening.

Senior pitcher Natalie Rose threw a complete game, her 18th of the year. She did not walk a Shocker and struck out one in an efficient 53-pitch outing.

The Bears started the game with runners on in the top of the first. Kirstin Cutter led off with a walk. She was erased on a caught stealing, but Ashley Brentz walked to replace her at first. Heather Duckworth singled to right and the Bears had two on with two outs. But the runners were stranded on an inning-ending groundout.

The Shockers used the momentum to get a pair of runs in the bottom of the first. A leadoff double, followed by a throwing error opened the door for the two-run inning.

Missouri State again had runners in the third. Brentz singled up the middle with two outs. Caitlin Chapin followed with a walk, but the rally was thwarted by a ground ball fielder's choice.

Stacia Boeckstiegel walked to lead off the fourth inning. Pinch runner Ali Trickey stole second and was thrown out at the plate after a double by Lauren Eisenreich. She was stranded, keeping the Bears off the board.

In the seventh inning, Kerri Cunningham drew the fifth Bears' walk to lead off. A WSU fielding error on Eisenreich's grounder put runners at second and third with no outs. The Shockers threw home on a Stevie Pierce grounder to cut down the runner at the plate. But a fly out and groundout ended the MSU scoring threat and left the Bears scoreless in the game.

Missouri State will return to Killian Stadium for the final home stand of the season for Senior Weekend this weekend. The Bears will face Indiana State with 12:00 p.m. games on both April 28 and 29. Fans will be admitted free on Fan Appreciation Day on April 29.

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