Six-run sixth inning, highlighted by Hunt’s homer, salvages split for Culver-Stockton softball team

CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton softball team broke a 2-2 tie with a run in the fifth inning, then added six insurance runs in the sixth inning to pull away from Hannibal-LaGrange University and post a 9-2 victory in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader at Himsl Field Wednesday afternoon.

HLGU’s Madyson Klosterman scattered six hits in a complete game 7-2 victory over the Wildcats in the first game. The Trojans banged out 15 hits in support of Klosterman, who improved to 4-11.

C-SC struck first in the second game in the opening inning when Paige Kurfman and Lacey Stamper began the game with back-to-back singles. Kataleena Hunt followed with a hard single to right that skipped by the right-fielder for a two-base error, allowing Kurfman and Stamper to score and Hunt to end up on third.

The Trojans tied the game in the fourth inning on a one-out double by Anita Kraus, a walk to Ailene Waker and a two-run triple by Andie McCool.

C-SC regained the lead in the fifth inning when Hunt led off with a double, moved to third on a one-out single by Myah Briese and scored on a single by Cierra Bush.

Laura Ferguson and Hunter Huddle began the sixth-inning rally with a pair of singles. Kurfman was then hit by a pitch to load the bases with no outs. 

Stamper then reached on a fielder’s choice when she hit a ground ball to first. The first baseman tried to cut down Ferguson at the plate but threw wildly, allowing Ferguson and pinch runner Karli Dant to score. Hunt then put the nail in the coffin with a three-run homer to center field to make the score 8-2. 

The Wildcats added one more run in the inning when Bush walked, moved to second on a single by Colby Keckler and scored on a hit by Ferguson.

Kaylee Yost earned the victory in relief of starter Penny Ruiz, hurling the final three innings and allowing just one hit and no runs. Yost walked three and struck out four to improve to 3-8. 

The Wildcats (10-36) have won three of their last four games. They are slated to host Missouri Valley College on Friday in a Heart of America Athletic Conference twinbill originally slated to be played in Marshall, Mo. However, the games were moved to Canton due to unplayable field conditions in Marshall. Game time for game one is set for 3 p.m. C-SC then wraps up the season on Saturday with a home doubleheader versus Grand View.