Missouri State softball lost 3-1 to Jacksonville State in the opening game of their series on April 17 at Killian Stadium.
The game was closely contested, with both teams showing strong pitching. Missouri State took an early lead in the second inning when Addison Drummond singled and Alexis Perales doubled, putting two runners in scoring position. Emily Gerardy then hit a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing Drummond to score and giving the Bears a 1-0 advantage.
Jacksonville State responded in the fourth inning by tying the game. After a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt, they executed a squeeze play that brought home their first run. In the sixth inning, Missouri State managed to escape trouble by leaving two Gamecocks stranded in scoring position after a potential home run for Jacksonville State was ruled foul.
However, Missouri State struggled offensively late in the game and only put one runner on base during the sixth inning. In the top of the seventh, Jacksonville State secured their win with an RBI triple followed by an RBI single after starting off with a leadoff double.
Four different Bears recorded hits during the contest, including doubles from Ulrich and Perales. The team drew two walks but struck out four times and left six runners on base overall.
The series continues at Killian Stadium on April 18 with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 p.m.
