OKLAHOMA CITY -- Missouri Southern scored nine runs in the fifth inning to roll to a 17-8 run-rule win over Midwestern State in the season opener Friday afternoon at Tom Heath Field.

The Lions' surge answered Midwestern State's big comeback effort as the erased an early 8-0 deficit to tie the game at 8-8 through four innings.

Junior Ashley Turner's bloop double to left field with the bases loaded in the fourth was the lost in the sun. The hit chased in three runs to spur a five-run rally.

Hanna Hetherington followed with a run-scoring single to left field to drive in Turner and knot the game at 8-all.

The Mustangs took advantage of three Missouri Southern errors to ignite a three-run rally in the bottom of the third inning.

Missouri Southern junior Leighton Withers drove in four runs in the first two innings including a three-run double in the first inning and an RBI single through the left side in the second to stake the Lions to a 6-0 advantage.

Missouri Southern added two runs in the top of the third before the Mustangs rallied to tie the game heading into the fifth inning.

Missouri Southern drew five walks to fuel a nine-run fifth inning keyed by 2-run singles by Ashlynn Williams, Kara Amos and Josie Tofpi.

Turner paced MSU's nine-hit attack by going 2-for-4 with two doubles while driving in four runs. She recorded her 100th career hit on a double to center field in the third inning.

Hanna Hetherington, Bailey Brenek and Paige Bryant added two hits each for the Mustangs.

Sophomore Addi Hanna (0-1) took the loss for the Mustangs allowing 10 runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings. She issued eight walks and uncorked three wild pitches.

Midwestern State continue play in the Edmond Regional Festival Friday afternoon against No. 20 Central Oklahoma.
  Read Full Article