March 12, 2015 Box Score
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Freshman third baseman Chelsea Thomas blasted her league-leading eighth home run of the season, but visiting Arkansas (13-11) pulled away with a big sixth inning to take an 11-5 victory at the hands of the Bears (11-11) at Killian Stadium on Thursday.
"Six out of the seven inning we were right there with them," said head coach Holly Hesse. "Chelsea Thomas continues to hit the ball great, hit the ball long, and come up with home runs in clutch situations. That is exciting for us"
Thomas drove in three runs to raise her season total to 20 RBI, one shy of the MVC leader. In addition to her long ball, she drew a walk which turned into a run in the seventh.
Redshirt sophomore Mary Stephens drew a pair of walks to extend her team-high total to 16 free passes on the year. She also singled in the game.
Senior Ali Trickey went 2-for-3 in the game including her first double of the year. Fellow senior Chelsea Jones singled and drew a walk. Shortstop Elena Gambill also reached base twice with a RBI double and a walk
Arkansas built a 4-0 lead with runs in each of the first three innings. Missouri State got one of the runs back in the bottom of the third. Chelsea Jones drew a leadoff walk. Pinch runner Olivia Roark moved to second on a groundout and on to third on a wild pitch. Elena Gambill roped a double deep to center field to push home the run.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Hailee Vigneaux singled over the third baseman with two outs. She moved up to second on a wild pitch and senior Rebecca McPherson drew a walk. On the very next pitch, Thomas drilled a long home run to right field to tie the game.
The tie was soon broken as the Razorbacks pushed across six runs in the sixth. Arkansas added an unearned run in the seventh.
Missouri State got back-to-back walks from Thomas and Stephens to begin the bottom of the seventh. Pinch runners Sara Jones and Erin Duewel moved into scoring position on a ground out. Then with two outs, Jones crossed the plate on a fielding error by the Arkansas shortstop. The rally was ended with the next batter grounding out to end the game.
The Bears will tentatively play Drake on Sunday and Monday, weather and field conditions pending. Games times will be determined after the rain passes through Springfield. Next Wednesday, MSU is slated to face Missouri at 5:00 p.m. at Killian Stadium before setting out on a seven-game road swing.
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