CHICKASHA, Okla. – With the opportunity to play for the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament on the line, the Mid-America Christian softball team gave a strong challenge to second-seeded and nationally third-ranked Science & Arts, but a defensive miscue in the 10
th inning allowed the walk-off run to cross as the Evangels fell 1-0 on Friday at Bill Smith Ballpark.
SCORE
- Science & Arts 1, Mid-America Christian 0
- Mid-America Christian (33-14)
- Science & Arts (47-6)
PITCHING DECISION
TOP PERFORMERS
SCORING SUMMARY
- Bottom 10th – S&A – Kindle Nelms scored on a throwing error by 1B – S&A 1, MACU 0
GAME NOTES
- Mid-America Christian recorded two hits and committed three errors while Science & Arts scored its one run with two hits.
- The game was decided when S&A starting pitcher Emily Cerny laid down a bunt down the first base line with a runner on first and one out. Starting first baseman Olivia Roberts tried to throw out Cerny from her knees, but her throw bounced off the runner's shoulder and into right field, allowing Drovers pinch-runner Kindle Nelms to score all the way from first on the throwing error.
- Despite suffering the loss, Katie Long had one of her best games of the season from the circle, allowing just one unearned run with one hit while walking four and striking out seven over 9.1 innings.
- Cailey Parsells and Olivia Roberts recorded two of the three combined hits in the contest with a pair of singles.
- It is the first time the Evangels have lost back-to-back extra-inning games since the program joined the NAIA in 2008.
ON DECK
- Mid-America Christian will now await to see where it will be playing its postseason softball.
- If the Evangels are selected to the NAIA Tournament, the opening round will be held from May 17-19 with the final site being in Columbus, Ga. from May 27-June 2.
- If MACU is selected to the NCCAA World Series, the Evangels will travel to Easley, S.C. to compete in the six-team event from May 18-20.
