Shocker SB v Missouri State

[flyingMoose]

The Shockers host Missouri State on Wednesday beginning at 3pm as the "travel partners" in the Valley play their mid-week doubleheaders on either Tuesday or Wednesday. All of the teams complete their series with a single game at the opposite site on Wednesday of next week.

The Bears, winners of seven in a row, are 23-17 overall and 11-4 in the Valley, good for second place.

Chelsea Jones and Erin Struemph have essentially all of the innings-pitched for Missouri State and about the same number of innings. Jones has an ERA of 2.46 and a WHIP of 1.28. The numbers for Struemph are 3.20 and 1.46.

The Bears' offense is led by Rebecca McPherson (OPS of .998 and seven HR), Chelsea Thomas (.965 and nine HR) and Mary Stephens (.919).

Brittany continues to pace the Shocker offense with an OPS of 1.229 and seven HR. Others are Cacy (.953 and eight HR), Mackenzie (.908) and Liz (.907).

Katie now has an ERA of 3.56 and a WHIP of 1.46. Jenni's numbers are 3.91 and 1.83.

[1972Shocker]

@flyingMoose: you need to clear some space in your Private Message inbox.

[1972Shocker]

Game 1:

Katie Malone in the circle for the Shocks. Chelsea Jones for the Bears.

MSU takes an early 1 run lead in the 1st on a 2-out RBI single by Chelsea Jones.

The Shocks answered in the bottom of the second taking a 2-1 lead on a 2-run double by Cacy Williams following 2 infield errors by the Bears.

MSU doesn't seem to want to have anything to do with reigning Valley POW Brittany Fortner. They have walked Brittany twice in as many at bats.

After 3 complete Shocks still lead 2-1.

[1972Shocker]

The wheels come off for the Shockers in the 5th. Katie retired the 1st two MSU hitters before give up a single to LF. A an error by Shocker 2B Liz Broyles put runners at 2nd and 3rd.

An infield single then loaded the bases.

MSU pitcher Chelsea Jones helped herself with a single up the middle to drive in 2 runs and give the Bears a 3-2 lead still with runners on 1st and 2nd with 2-outs.

MSU SS Erin Duewel than launched a 3-run homer and the Bears now have a comfortable 6-2 lead heading into the bottom of the 5th.

Kesley Sterneker came on in relief of Katie to get the 3rd out after the home run.

Liz's error certainly hurt but Katie also had a couple of chances to get out of the inning unscathed and could not do it.

[1972Shocker]

Game 1 Final: MSU 6 - Shockers 2

The one big inning in the 5th where a 2-out gate opened the door and to the Lady Bears credit the took advantage in a big way.

The Shocks had their chances as they left 11 baserunners stranded including leaving the bases loaded in the 1st and the 7th inning.

Shocks need to regroup and come up with some clutch hitting in Game 2.

Bears: 6R, 8H, 2E, 4LOB
Shocks: 2R, 6H, 2E, 11LOB

[1972Shocker]

Game 2:

Jenni Brooks in the circle for the Shocks. Erin Struemph for the Bears.

As in game MSU again jumped out to a 1-0 lead this time in the top of the 2nd scoring an unearned run on a 2-out single after an error by McKenzie Wright at 3B and a 2-out walk.

The Shocks responded immediately with a home run to left center by Macklin Hitz to tie it at 1-all after 2.

That tie did not last long as MSU took a 3-1 lead in the top of the 3rd on a 2-run homer.

In the bottom of the 3rd with 2 outs Kelli Spring and Cacy Williams drew walks and the red hot Brittany Fortner delivered a big 3-run home run. But the Shocks weren't done MacKenzie Wright singled followed by a 2-run homer by Liz Broyles and the Shocks were up 6-3 after 3 complete.

Brittany Fortner up with 2-outs and the bases empty in the bottom of the 5th. MSU shows they aren't dumb. Brittany is walked and the Mackenzie Wright flied to CF to end the 5th. Shocks still leading 6-3.

3-4-5 hole hitters up for MSU in the 6th. A big inning for Jenni to navigate. Jenni gave up a walk and a single but made it through the inning unscathed.

After navigating through the middle of the MSU lineup in the 6th Jenni gives up a lead off home run to the Bears' 8-hole hitter in the 7th making he score 6-4. After 2 ground outs Jenni gives up a double to right center and the Bears get the tying run to the plate in Rebecca McPherson who hit a 2-run homer in the 3rd.

McPherson takes a mighty rip and pops up to Kelli Spring at SS to end the game. Shocks win 6-4.

Bears: 4R, 6H, 0E, 5LOB
Shocks: 6R, 4H, 1E, 2LOB

Only 4 hits for the Shocks but 3 were home runs and they certainly made them count.

Shocks no doubt were hoping for a sweep of the DH but after losing Game 1 the importance of Game 2 was magnified and the Shocks got 'er done.

[flyingMoose]

@flyingMoose you need to clear some space in your Private Message inbox.

Cleared up some space.

[flyingMoose]

Other midweek doubleheaders

Northern Iowa 1-1 Drake

Indiana State 1-1 Loyola

Bradley 0-2 Illinois State

Southern Illinois 1-1 Evansville


Current Standings

14-3 Drake
12-5 Missouri State
11-6 Illinois State
 9-7 Northern Iowa
 9-8 Indiana State
 [COLOR=#ffd700]8-9 Shockers[/COLOR]
 8-9 Southern Illinois
 8-9 Bradley
3-13 Loyola
2-15 Evansville