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  • Missouri Southern second baseman Brooke Swadley catches a popup during Friday's MIAA doubleheader against Central Oklahoma.

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March 16, 2013

Lions belt long ball, earn split against No. 8 Central Oklahoma

By Richard Polen Globe Sports Writer

Brooklyn Farrell remembers all of her home runs, even way back when she played at Webb City High School.

Farrell, a junior third baseman, cracked the second home run of her college career Friday, a three-run shot over the right-field fence in the second inning of Missouri Southern’s 11-3 victory over Central Oklahoma at Lea Kungle Field.

The victory gave Missouri Southern a split in the doubleheader against the No. 8-ranked Bronchos (15-5, 1-1 MIAA), who won the first game 7-0.

“I was due, but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, without them screaming and yelling,” said Farrell, who was 3-for-3 and raised her batting average to .333.

Farrell, who is listed as 5-foot-2, said she weighs 135 pounds and had five home runs in her high school career.

The Lions’ power surge resumed in bottom of the fifth inning when first baseman Dawn Grass launched her fifth home run of the season to center field. The solo blast came with two outs and ended the game because of the eight-run rule.

“I was due for a good hit because I didn’t have good hits before that,” said Grass, who hit a long drive foul just before her home run. “I was making good contact. I was seeing it real well, so I just waited a little more.”

Grass, who had two of the Lions’ four hits in the first game, was 4-for-6 in the two games with two RBI and three runs scored.

The Lions struck for five runs in the first inning of the second game, including a two-run single by pitcher Sarah Williams (3-3)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       . An error on the play in the UCO outfield gave the Lions a 3-0 lead.

“I came out with a better attitude and wanted to dominate,” said Williams, who allowed five hits, walked two and struck out three. “After the first game, I wanted to prove to them that we are good.”

After UCO scored three runs in the second inning, Grass drove in a run in the bottom of the inning on a fielder’s choice before Farrell’s home run made the score 9-3. The Lions added another run in the fourth inning on a throwing error.

“Hitting and energy go hand in hand,” said MSSU head coach Bill Gray. “Those were two entirely different teams wearing the same uniforms. We need to maintain that high level for the rest of the season.”

UCO left-hander Kalynn Schrock (9-2) was the winner in the first game. She walked two and struck out six. The Lions hit the ball into the outfield twice, and both were singles by second baseman Brooke Swadley, who was 2-for-3.

MSSU starter Haley Pypes (4-2) took the loss. She allowed six hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings.

Missouri Southern (12-8, 1-1) will face Northeastern State in a doubleheader at 2 p.m. today at Lea Kungle Field.

                                                                                   

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