The Basics

Game 1: Evangel 2, Missouri Valley 0

Game 2: Evangel 9, Missouri Valley 8

Records: Evangel (8-6, 1-0 Heart); Missouri Valley (3-7, 0-1 Heart)

Location: Springfield, Mo. – Crusader Field

SPRINGFIELD – The Evangel softball team swept Missouri Valley in the Heart of America opener for both teams Friday afternoon with a 2-0 and an 8-9 victory.

The Crusaders got a complete game shutout from Kyra Parker in game one as the senior was able to hold onto an early. Evangel scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning as the defense did the rest.

Parker allowed five hits and no walks while striking out seven to improve to 4-2 on the season. The shutout is also the second straight for the senior from Webb City, Missouri.

Kiara Carrier belted a two-run home run in the bottom of the first to score the only runs of the game. Michelle Sheppard led off the game with a single and stole second before Carrier drove her in on her third home run of the season.

Game two was a back and forth battle that saw Evangel claw back in the fourth inning to take a 9-5 lead. Missouri Valley opened the game with three runs in the top of the first inning before a five-run fourth gave Evangel the lead.

Michaela Tolliver earned the win as she pitched 6.1 innings and scattered eight hits. Parker entered with one out in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded. She was able to get a strike out and ground out for her second save of the year.

Carrier finished 2-for-4 with two RBI while Jillian Belieu and Jackie Hoffmeier also picked up two RBI each. Carrier added a stolen base while Megan Washam also stole a base and finished 2-for-3 at the plate.

UP NEXT
Evangel will host Central Methodist on Tuesday afternoon after Saturday's game was moved due to the forecast in Springfield. First pitch from Crusader Field is scheduled for 2 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com.

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