Big First Inning the Difference as Kirksville Defeats Moberly in NCMC Opener

The Kirksville Lady Tigers used a six-run first inning to propel them to an 8-4 win over Moberly Thursday night at Omar Bradley Field. Jersey Herbst got the scoring going for the Lady Tigers with a runner on and one out.

Colin Schowe with the call on Superstation KRES and centralmoinfo.com. Olivia Williams, Gracelyn Johnston and Adi Baumgartner also delivered RBI hits in the frame as Kirksville jumped out to a 6-0 advantage. They added to the lead with two runs in the fourth including an RBI single by Herbst as she finished the night 2-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Kirksville coach Derek Allen discussed Herbst’s performance at the plate.

The Lady Spartans rallied for four runs in the bottom of that inning, which included RBI hits from Mia Faught and Presley Brown. However, relief pitcher Paislee Clark came on to toss three shutout innings, securing the win for the Lady Tigers. Allen said his reliever was sharp.

Brianna Elsea got the win allowing four runs over four innings of work while striking out three. Moberly outhit Kirksville 8-5. The Lady Spartans were hurt by six walks, including four in the six-run first inning by starting pitcher Taylor Martin. Coach Drew Hunt said those early walks were the difference.

Martin settled down to hold the Lady Tigers to one hit and two walks over the final six innings. She also retired the final eleven batters she faced. Hunt said Martin’s fightback was reflected in the rest of the team’s response to the first inning.

Moberly falls to 1-2 on the season while Kirksville improves to 5-1. Both teams return to NCMC play on Tuesday with Moberly visiting Hannibal and Kirksville at Mexico. You can hear full postgame interviews with both coaches online at centralmoinfo.com

Kirksville coach Derek Allen

Moberly coach Drew Hunt