Box Score ST. LOUIS – [Box Score] A 7th inning rally was not enough, as the Missouri Baptist softball team fell to McKendree today, 5-3. The Spartans scored all three runs in the final frame, but could not bring the equalizer across the plate.
Missouri Baptist (18-13) smacked six hits in the contest, led by Kelsey Snider, who went 3-for-3 with a run scored. Snider improved her batting average to a team-high .414 on the season. Mackenzie Friedly (1-for-4), Corey Pitchford (1-for-3, run scored) and Andrea Chessor (1-for-3, 2 RBI) each added hits in the contest.
The top of the first started out right for the Spartans, who had leadoff hitter reach on a walk. She was caught stealing for the first out and the Bearcat pitcher retired the next two Spartans via strikeout.
The Bearcats plated two runs on three hits off of MBU starter Andrea Chessor.
In the bottom of the 5th, McKendree added three more runs on three hits and aided by a Spartan error, which gave the Bearcats a 5-0 lead.
The drama hit the ceiling in the top of the 7th. Amanda Williams led off the inning by reaching on a Bearcat error, and Deanna Peters came in to pinch run. Payton Anderson reached base on a fielder's choice, which retired Peters at second. Kelsey Snider roped a single, moving Anderson to second. Corey Pitchford followed with a single, which loaded the bases for Andrea Chessor. She welcomed the new Bearcat pitcher to the game by roping a two-RBI double. Sierra Thompson reached on a fielding error, which scored Pitchford, cutting the deficit to 5-3. With the tying run on second base, the Bearcats retired the next two Spartans to end the game.
Chessor was charged with the loss. She tossed 6.0 innings, giving up five runs, four earned, on six hits. The freshman struck out four and walked only one.
The second game of the doubleheader was cancelled after storms set up camp on Lebanon, Ill. The Spartans will travel to Columbia, Mo. to take on Columbia College on Friday and Stephens College on Saturday.
