From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Missouri Southern slugged four home runs — two by Dawn Grass — as the Lions swept a doubleheader from Bemidji State (Minn.) 11-1 and 9-4 Saturday afternoon at the Pittsburg State Softball Complex.
Grass, the Lions’ first baseman, slammed a three-run home run to right-center field in the first inning of the first game, and she connected for a two-run shot to right in the fourth inning of the nightcap. She went 3-for-6 in the twinbill with three runs scored and six runs batted in.
Designated player Angie Turner followed Grass’ first homer with a blast over the center-field wall to make it 4-0.
The Lions scored their final seven runs in the fourth, highlighted by Megan Roark’s two-run single and back-to-back two-run doubles by Breanna Volkmann and Natalie Nelson.
Pitcher Tiffany Bennett gave up five hits and an unearned run in the five-inning contest, struck out four batters and walked none.
After collecting eight hits in the first game, the Lions rapped 13 hits in the nightcap, including two apiece by Kelli Bax, Jessica Brooks, Grass, Roark, Krista Bomak and Brooke Hurley. Roark homered to right field leading off the seventh inning.
Starting pitcher Kayce Moore yielded four runs and six hits in four innings, fanned two and walked three. Bennett fanned five and gave up five hits in three scoreless innings.
The Lions (6-14-1) have a home doubleheader at 4 p.m. Tuesday against Missouri S&T;.
