Raven Softball split a home doubleheader against the Missouri Valley University Vikings Saturday afternoon.
The Ravens dropped Game 1, 12-9, but bounced back to take Game 2, 4-2.
Game 1
The Vikings landed a big blow in the first inning of the doubleheader in the form of a 3-run home run, plating a total of 4 runs in the top of the first. MVU led from start to finish in the first game, scoring 3 runs in each of the third and fourth innings, plus 2 more runs in the sixth inning.
The Ravens chased the Vikings throughout the game, plating a run in the first and third innings, 2 runs in the fourth, 2 in the fifth, and then 3 more runs in the bottom of the seventh, but it wasn't enough to make up deficit as the visitors won by 3.
Lenae Salinas had a strong day at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a pair of RBIs in the opening game. Isabella Ingui notched two hits, including a home run. Kaitlyn Fanning, Megan Medhus, and Madison Zaccardo each knocked two hits, as well.
Jenna Drish pitched the first 2 innings for the Ravens, giving up 5 earned runs while striking out two batters. Kera Willoughby pitched the final 5 frames, allowing 4 earned runs and also striking out two Vikings. Three Ravens errors helped the Vikings score an extra 3 runs, which proved to be pivotal.
Game 2
The Ravens didn't commit an error in the second game, which was key in a lower-scoring contest.
Clare Heitz pitched 5 innings for the Ravens, allowing MVU's 2 runs while striking out 3 batters. She picked up her second win of the season in the circle.
MacKenzie Pinkerton pitched 2 innings in relief, earning the save by allowing 2 hits and no runs while striking out a pair.
Zaccardo drove in 2 runs at the plate, Natalie Sheffield ripped a triple to left field, and Medhus sent a shot into left center for another double, her 10th of the season.
Dezmen Duncan stole two bases in the nightcap, including a daring steal of home when she baited the catcher into a throw to third, then dashed in ahead of the return throw.
The Ravens are now 12-8 on the season, with a 2-4 mark in Heart of America Conference play. The next scheduled contest is back on Ravens Field at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 against Evangel University.
