Poole perfect at plate in Grizzlies' 11-1 win over Williams Baptist

Molly Poole wasted no opportunities at the plate Tuesday, March 7, driving in five runs on three hits to lead the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzlies past Williams Baptist University JV 11-1 in the first game of a double header at Hilburn Sports Complex in West Plains.

The freshman infielder from Monett drove in runs off a home run in the first inning, a double in the second and a double in the third.

Poole was facing a 0-1 count in the first inning when she smashed the out-of-the-park homer to drive in two runs and put the Grizzlies on the board first.

"It was great to come out and jump on Williams Baptist from the beginning of the game," Grizzly Softball Head Coach Don Long said. "Offensively and defensively, it was a solid game."

MSU-WP (3-5) secured the victory thanks to seven runs in the third inning. The rally was led by singles from freshman outfielders Lexy Bridges, Diamond, and Madalyn Ivy, Mansfield; doubles by Poole and freshman infielder Hailey Garrison, Sarcoxie; and a walk by freshman infielder Mackenzie Massey, Grandby.

Harrison went 1-2 for the day, notching two RBIs off her double in the third.

Freshman pitcher Anabelle Hitt, Lynchburg, picked up the win from the mound. Hitt went five innings allowing one run on five hits and striking out seven batters.

Sara Pruitt took the loss for Williams Baptist. The Bulldog surrendered two runs on three hits over one and one-third innings and struck out three batters.

Lexi Rubio started the game for the Bulldogs. She gave up nine runs on six hits over two and two-thirds innings and struck out four batters.

The Grizzlies were sure-handed defensively, committing no errors in the contest. Freshman catcher Sara Fehr made the most plays with eight.

Grizzlies drop nightcap

After a strong first game, the Grizzlies faltered in the nightcap and dropped a 14-3 decision to the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs struck first in the top of the first inning, but Garrison tied things up for the Grizzlies when she doubled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

The Bulldogs rebounded in the top of the second inning with four runs. Kaylee Wolfe homered on a 0-1 count, scoring three runs, and a Grizzly error allowed another Williams Baptist run.

The Bulldogs added six more in the fourth with Paige Thomas, Ryleigh Tingle and Wolfe each recording RBIs in the side. The finished their scoring attack with three runs in the fifth.

The Grizzlies could only muster two more runs in the bottom of the third, with one of them coming off a long ball from Poole.

Tori Kierback got the win for the Bulldogs. The hurler went four and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out two and walking one.

Garrett took the loss for the Grizzlies. The righty lasted five innings allowing 19 hits and 14 runs while striking out three.

The Grizzlies tallied seven hits in the outing, with Bridges and Massey each recording two.

The Bulldogs' 19 hits came from Victoria Corker, Tingle, BreAnn Thresher, Hannah Stallings, Wolfe, Rylee Boshell and Thomas, all of whom managed multiple hits. Corker went 4-4 at the plate to lead the Bulldogs.

Defensively, the Bulldogs didn't commit a single error. Boshell had the most chances in the field with nine.

Up next

The Grizzlies' road games Thursday against Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City have been cancelled due to the weather, so their next outing will be Saturday, March 11, against the Moberly Area Community College Greyhounds in Moberly. Game times are noon and 2 p.m.

MSU-WP's next home games will be March 23 against St. Louis Community College.

For more information about the Grizzly Softball team, visit the team's Facebook page, Facebook.com/GrizzlySB, or MSUWPGrizzlies.com.