Game 1 - Pioneers 11... Northeastern JC 3 (5 Innings)

The MCC Pioneers ran roughshed over Region IX Northeastern College by run ruling the Plainsmen 11-3 in 5 innings on Monday afternoon in Sterling, CO. 

MCC took advantage of 6 extra base hits and 6 NJC errors to run their record to 4-1 on the season. MCC got 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning on a RBI triple off the bat of Rylynn Krein (P - Fergus Falls, MN) after a Malory Webb (SS - Idaho Falls, ID) walk. Brooke Schaffer (3B - Missoula, MT) then connected on a RBI double. 

The Pioneers lead extended to 3-0 in the top of the 2nd inning after Webb singled, stole 2nd, and scored on a NJC error. The Plainsmen notched a run in the bottom of the 2nd inning but MCC broke things open with a 5-run 4th inning. Brylee Lowell (CF - Columbus, MT) reached base on an error and advanced to 3rd on a bunt single from Tori McClelland (2B - Red Deer, Alberta). Rhanda Vindiola (RF - Columbus, MT) walked to load the bases and Webb grounded in to an error that scored 2 runs. Vindiola scored on a error as Webb was stealing 2nd base. Adrie Mortensen (C - Rexburg, ID) then doubled to drive in Schaffer. 

MCC picked up 3 more in the 5th to take a 11-1 lead. Lowell led off the inning with a solo home run. With 2 outs, Emily Robins (LF - Rexburg, ID) doubled and Krein singled to drive in Vinidiola. Schaffer then singled to drive in Robins giving the Pioneers a 10-run lead. NJC picked up 2 runs in the bottom of the 5th but it was not enough to keep the game going. 

Krein got the start in the circle and pitched 5 innings 96 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 SO) to pick up her 3rd victory of the season. 

Pioneers with 2+ hits: Emily Robins (2-4), Rylynn Krein (2-4), Adrie Mortensen (2-4)

Inside the Box Score

• MCC had 12 hits (HR, 3B, 4 2B) and NJC had 6 hits (3B, 2B). 
• NJC had 6 errors and MCC had 2. 
• The Pioneers had 3 stolen bases.
• Each pitching staff allowed only 2 walks.

Game 2 - Pioneers 8... Northeastern JC 11

NJC got on the scoreboard 1st with a run in the bottom of the 1st. The Pioneers took a 3-1 lead in the top of the 3rd inning on the strength of a Rylynn Krein 3-run home run following singles from Malory Webb and Liz Cunningham (RF - Polson, MT). 

NJC added a run in the bottom of the 3rd and then took a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 4th. The Pioneers cut that lead to 5-4 in the 5th on another home run from Krein. NJC extended the lead to 11-4 with 6 runs in the bottom of the 5th. MCC made a run at the Plainsmen in the top of the 7th inning by scoring 4 runs on a grand slam off the bat of Krein for her 3rd home run of the game but the Pioneers could not push any more runs across. 

Harley Brown (Great Falls, MT) got the start and pitched 3.2 innings (7 H, 5 R, SO) and gave the ball to Kayla Jensen (Lewistown, MT) for the final 2.1 innings (6 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 2 SO). 

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers had 10 hits (3 HR, 2B) and the Plainsmen had 13 hits (2 HR, 4 2B).
• NJC had the only error in the game. 
• Neither team had a stolen base. 
• Pioneer batters struck out 4 times and Plainsmen batters struck out 3 times. 

Pioneers with 2+ hits: Rylynn Krein (3-3, 3 HR, 8 RBI) & Liz Cunninghm (3-3)

The 2 teams will play another doubleheader tomorrow afternoon in Sterling, CO with game 1 starting at 12:00 PM.