The Fort Hays State softball team picked up a conference series split for the second straight day on Tuesday against Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. Maddie Holub pitched the fifth no-hitter in program history as the Tigers knocked of Northwest 1-0 in the first game, but the Bearcats rebounded and took a 12-4 run-rule victory after five innings in the second game. The Tigers are now 25-17 (9-7 MIAA) on the year with four games remaining in the regular season.
Game 1: Fort Hays State 1, Northwest Missouri State 0
Holub was very impressive in the circle for the first game, striking out 13 Bearcat batters on her way to the first complete-game no-hitter of her career. She struck out the side in the third and fifth innings and only allowed two runners to reach base all game, one via a walk and the other a hit by pitch.
The FHSU offense was unable to produce much run support, but knocked out five hits and went on top in the top of the fifth inning on a solo home run by Chelsey Rottinghous. On this day, one run was all that Holub would need as she cruised to the victory and improved to 15-8 on the season.
Game 2: Northwest Missouri State 12, Fort Hays State 4 (5 innings)
The Tigers were unable to capitalize on the momentum of the first game, even after getting a two-run home run from Adriana Wortley in the top of the first inning to go on top 2-0. Northwest Missouri State promptly responded with three runs in both the first and second innings to take a 6-2 lead after two.
FHSU did fight back in the top of the fourth after getting a two-run single from Kellsi Olsen to get back within striking range at 6-4. That would be as close as the Tigers would get, however, with the Bearcats scoring one run apiece in the third and fourth innings before putting up four runs in the fifth inning to end the game by run-rule.
Kaitlyn Shattleroe started the game for Fort Hays State and gave up seven runs in two innings pitched. She was tagged with the loss and drops to 7-4 on the year. Abby Morrison relieved Shattleroe in the third inning and pitched the final 2.1 innings and allowed the final five Bearcat runs to score.
Fort Hays State will return home this weekend and look to solidify their spot in the MIAA Tournament as they face Pittsburg State on Saturday and Missouri Southern on Sunday to close out the regular season.
– FHSU Sports Information –