(DAHLONEGA, Ga., Feb. 10) – The McKendree University softball squad captured a 6-5 come from behind win Sunday morning in extra innings over Palm Beach Atlantic.
With the win, the Bearcats improve to 3-2 on the year and will travel to Hendersonville, Tenn. February 18-19 to participate in the Music City Invitational.
McKendree had opportunities early, but it was Palm Beach Atlantic (4-5) who struck first plating three runs in the home half of the second.
Freshman Hannah Murphy (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt North ) would lead off the top of the fifth with a single, followed by Doggendorf single that would put runners in scoring position. Brooke Gajewski (Kronenwetter, Wis./D.C. Everest) would record a two out single down the left field line to score Sara Radae (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville ), who reached on a fielder's choice, and Doggendorf trimming the deficit to one.
Bearcat starting pitcher Hannah Murphy (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt North ) would surrender a pair of runs in the Sailfish half of the fifth to make it 5-2.
McKendree showed their resilience in the top of the seventh. Abbie Liske would spark the Bearcats' comeback with a two-run long ball over the right center wall making it 5-4. The hot bats would not stop there as moments later Gajewski would tie things up at five with a homerun to left field.
In the bottom of the seventh, Holly Magre (Festus, Mo./St. Pius X) would enter the game replacing reliever Macy Ingram. Magre would retire the next two batters to force extra innings.
Extras prove to be no different than the first seven innings of play. Headed into the 10th inning, the international tie-breaker rules were in effect. Hanna Branch (Kirkwood, Mo./Kirkwood) would be placed on second and advance to third on a Rachel Hastings (Forsyth, Ill./Maroa-Forsyth )' sacrifice bunt. With Rebecca Franke (Trenton, Ill./Wesclin) at the plate, Branch would score on an eventual wild pitch to give the Bearcats their first lead of the day at 6-5.
Magre would come out to finish the 10th helping her own cause by turning a double play. With a runner at first and third, Magre would secure a pop fly bunt attempt and catch the runner off guard at third. Magre would force a groundout to the final hitter, securing a Bearcat victory.
Starting pitcher Hannah Murphy (O'Fallon, MO/Fort Zumwalt North ) collected a no decision in five innings of work and recording three strikeouts. Magre picks up her second win of the season while going three and a two-third innings of work surrendering one hit and recording four strikeouts.
