ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Davenport University softball team continued its early season road trip, splitting the doubleheader against the University of Missouri-St Louis Thursday afternoon. The Panthers (4-10, 0-0 GLIAC)) have now played a total of 10 games in the last seven days, all of which have been on the road.
Game 1
Result: W, 5-4
How it Happened:
Trailing 1-0 at the conclusion of the second inning, the Panthers were able to garner momentum, scoring two runs in the top of the third. Gabby Palazzolo set things in motion with a single that snuck past the pitcher. On the ensuing at-bats, Riley Hasseld and Brooke Bernt each recorded a single to load the bases. Hayley Kreiger drilled one through the right side to bring both Palazzolo and Hassled home, giving DU a 2-1 advantage.
The Tritons (5-7, 0-0 GLVC) responded in the bottom of the third, as Corinne Daley hit a three-run home run to regain a 4-2 edge over Davenport..
Following consecutive scoreless innings, the Panthers offense stepped up in the sixth inning to regain the lead. With runners on first and third, UMSL made a throwing error trying to throw out Becca Daoust as she stole second base, allowing Alexis Cardona to advance home on the throwing error.
Monica Meger kept it going for DU, hitting a single down the left field line and bringing Daoust home to tie the game at four apiece.
Elisse Omey helped DU regain the lead, scoring what turned out to be the game-winning run as Palazzolo drilled the ball to left field to cap off the sixth inning.
Kelsey Byers (2-3) pitched the entire game for Davenport, totaling five strikeouts in seven innings pitched.
Game 2
Result: L, 1-0
How it Happened:
It was a defensive battle in the back half of the doubleheader, as each team was held scoreless going into the final inning.
UMSL was threatening to score in the bottom of the second inning, as they had the bases loaded with two outs. However, Emma Miller got DU out of the inning unphased, striking out McKenzie Lamos as she had a full count.
The Tritons broke the games scoring drought in the bottom of the seventh inning, hitting a single to right center field to seal the game.
Palazzolo led Davenport in the loss, batting 2-for-3 and adding a stolen base.
Miller (1-5) was in the circle all seven innings for the Panthers, delivering a season-high six strikeouts while only allowing four hits and one error.
Up Next:
The Panthers now shift their focus to the UIS Tournament in Springfield, Ill., a two-day event in which they will open against McKendree (1 p.m.) and Quincy (3 p.m.) on Saturday at the Land of Lincoln Softball Complex.
