Box Score OXFORD, Ala. — The Murray State College softball team continued their strong postseason run with a commanding 9–1 victory over Iowa Central Community College in NJCAA Division II World Series action on Wednesday. A combination of early pressure and a sixth-inning outburst proved more than enough to seal the win and move the Lady Aggies on to the fourth round of the tournament.
Murray State wasted no time in this contest. After two walks to start the frame, Cady Ammons delivered an RBI single to left, bringing in Brylee Fanning from second. Haili Igou would also score on a fielding error by the left fielder.
The Lady Aggies padded their lead in the fourth with a solo home run by Ammons, extending the advantage to 3–0.
Iowa Central scratched a run across in the fifth inning as an RBI single from Kenedy Palmer trimmed Murray State's lead to two.
In the bottom of the sixth, though, Murray State slammed the door with a six-run explosion. Kennedy Lord started the rally with a solo home run to center. A pair of walks and a double by Avery Beauchamp loaded the bases. After a wild pitch scored one run, Haili Igou delivered a 2-RBI triple giving Murray State a 7-1 lead. Two more runs crossed the plate on an error and a daring steal of home by Karsyn Nye, earning the Lady Aggies a 9-1 run-rule victory on Wednesday.
In the circle, the Aggies' pitching staff allowed just three hits and one run while striking out eight. Isabella Hardeman went 4.2 innings of one run ball, while Bradi Harman threw 1.1 innings while mowing down four Tritons.
"It was good to scratch some runs early and take some of the pressure off," said Coach Mullens. "However, we failed to tack on or get any momentum offensively innings 2-5. We got into their bullpen in the 4th and couldn't capitalize on it. We had a big 6th inning that was started by a big home run from Kennedy. Once again, Bella threw the ball really well. She dealt with some adversity after a leadoff walk and an error in the 1st inning, but fought her way through that inning to keep it scoreless. We discussed how good Iowa Central has been all year scoring runs in the first inning. They have scored a run in the first inning in 38 of the 58 ballgames they have played and they are 36-2 in those games. So, it was really good to get through the top of the 1st without giving anything up. Bradi came in the game in the 5th inning and got the final out of the 5th and pitched a phenomenal 6th inning as well. It was big to not have to go back out for the 7th and get the run rule as well. We now have a matchup with a very tough Jones opponent tomorrow. We are looking forward to the opportunity to continue to compete."
With the win, Murray State College improves to 61-1 on the season and will take on No. 3 Jones College on Thursday at 4:00 p.m.
Sports Information Director: Justin Wagner | jgwagner@mscok.edu
Aggie Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Murray State College Softball: Twitter | Instagram
