Rolla, MO - The 18th-ranked McKendree University Softball team battled through a pair of tightly contested, low-scoring games on Saturday afternoon, earning a 1-0 shutout victory in the opener before Missouri S&T answered with a 2-1 win in Game 2. With just five total runs scored across the twinbill, both games were dictated by pitching, defense, and execution in the clutch. 

GAME ONE | #18 McKENDREE 1, MISSOURI S&T 0 
Game one was controlled by pitching from the outset, but McKendree found a way to manufacture just enough offense early and made it hold up. 

The Bearcats created the game's only run in the second inning. Ali Grenzebach reached with a single and moved into scoring position before Sami Huck followed with a base hit to put two runners on. Lauren Harris then put the ball in play and reached on an error, allowing Grenzebach to come home and give McKendree a 1-0 lead. 

From there, the story belonged to Huck. The senior was in complete command in the circle, scattering just two hits across seven shutout innings while striking out eight. She consistently was ahead in the count and held Missouri S&T to a minimal amount of scoring threats. 

The Miners' best opportunity came in the sixth inning when they put runners aboard, but Huck worked out of the jam and kept the lead intact. She then retired the side in order in the seventh to seal the shutout.

GAME TWO | MISSOURI S&T 2, #18 McKENDREE 1
The second game took on a similar tone, but this time, Missouri S&T capitalized on its chances in the middle innings to edge the Bearcats. 

McKendree struck first in the third inning after putting together a good sequence. Ali Grenzebach reached base and was moved into scoring position before Laynee Tapp delivered an RBI to give the Bearcats a 1-0 lead. 

The lead held through four innings, as McKendree pitching limited Missouri S&T's opportunities, but the momentum shifted in the fifth. 

A leadoff walk sparked the Miners, and after advancing into scoring position, an RBI double tied the game at 1-1. Moments later, a wild pitch allowed the go-ahead run to score, giving Missouri S&T a 2-1 lead. 

McKendree had chances to respond late. The Bearcats put runners on base in both the sixth and seventh innings, including a leadoff baserunner in the final frame, but were unable to come up with the tying hit.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE BEARCATS
@ Lincoln Blue Tigers (11-10, 3-5 GLVC)
at LU Softball Field - Jefferson City, MO
Sunday, March 29th - 12:00 / 2:00 PM