March 16, 2015 Box Score
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Each team pitched a shutout as the Missouri State softball team (12-13, 1-2) and visiting Drake (11-11, 2-1) split a series-concluding doubleheader at Killian Stadium on Monday afternoon. The Bulldogs rode an unearned run to a 1-0 win in game one and senior Chelsea Jones tossed a complete game two-hit shutout in a 2-0 MSU victory in game two.
"I thought what we saw today from both teams was the four best pitchers in the league," said head coach Holly Hesse. "All four of them were on their game and I expected this series would be a closely contested series and that was what we saw today. We shut down a pretty good offensive lineup and I was proud of the way we bounced back and played some pretty good ball. She (Rebecca McPherson) is certainly seeing the ball well right now and is good at making adjustments, especially the more at-bats she has in a game."
All four starting pitchers in the doubleheader pitched complete games for their respective teams. Erin Struemph got the ball in game one and struck out seven while scattering three hits. Jones tossed a two-hitter and struck out five in the nightcap.
Senior Rebecca McPherson hit her fifth home run of the season. She hit safely in both games for the Bears.
Redshirt freshman Madison Jones had a pair of hits in game two. Freshman Chelsea Thomas and sophomore Elena Gambill each drew two walks in game one.
Game 1 - Missouri State 0, Drake 1
A rough second inning defensively turned out to be the downfall of the Bears. A MSU fielding error to begin the inning was turned into a run on the next play by a pair of Bears' throwing errors to give Drake the 1-0 advantage.
Gambill drew walks in the third and fifth innings and Thomas drew a free pass in the fourth. But MSU was unable to turn any into an extensive rally.
Chelsea Jones broke up the second late-inning no-hit bid by an opposing hitter with a one-out single in the sixth. She moved all the way to third on a single to right-center by McPherson. After McPherson stole second, Thomas drew her second walk of the game to load the bases. A fly out to center ended the threat.
In the seventh inning, Braxton Coil reached on a two-out error. Pinch runner Ali Trickey moved to second on a single through the left side by Erin Duewel, but MSU's comeback bid was halted on the next play, an infield popup that ended the game.
Game 2 - Missouri State 2, Drake 0
Missouri State broke through for the first time in the series in the second inning. Madison Jones singled up the middle with two outs. Gambill singled down the right field line and moved to second on the throw to third. A drake wild pitch allowed the first run of the game to come home.
Erika Velasquez Zimmer recorded her first career extra-base hit with one out double to center field in the third inning. She moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by Chelsea Jones, but was stranded there to end the inning.
Madison Jones started a two-out threat in the fourth with a single to right-center. She reached second base safely on a fielder's choice, but MSU was not able to add to the lead.
McPherson led off the sixth inning with a solo home run to left field to cushion the Bears' lead to 2-0.
Jones retired the side in order in the seventh to record her first complete game shutout of the season.
MSU will conclude the current seven-game home stand with a 5:00 p.m. tilt versus Missouri on Wednesday. The Bears then set out on a seven-game road trip beginning on Saturday in Peoria, Ill., with a 12:00 p.m. doubleheader against Bradley.
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