Crawford sparks split with Hesston

HESSTON — Hoisington's Ellie Crawford homered for a 12-7 opening victory, but Hesston rallied for a 10-7 victory in the second game to split Thursday's Central Kansas League softball doubleheader. The Cardinals (9-3, 5-3 CKL) remain behind Hesston (8-6, 7-3 CKL) in the league race.

CARDINALS 12, HESSTON 7 (G1) — Hoisington's Crawford struck out six batters to overcome eight walks in a rugged 161-pitch outing. 

At the plate, Crawford homered and drove home three runs with three hits. Gabby Reif tripled twice and drove in three runs.

Claire Crutcher, Marly Brewer, Brynn Tarlton and Mea Sneath drove in runs.

Hesston's Brenlyn Richmond drove in three runs.

HESSTON 10, CARDINALS 7 (G2) — Hesston converted five walks, four hit batters and four errors into a trio unearned runs for a hard-fought victory.

Crawford stayed hot with a pair of RBI, but she yielded five runs to take the pitching loss. Crutcher and Brewer also drove home runs.

Hesston's Elyse Griffin scored four runs with four hits with two RBI.

Hoisington 202 403 1 —  12 11 4

Hesston 220 120 0 — 7 5 3

Crawford and Crutcher. Griffin and Harris. W—Crawford. L—Griffin.  2B—HOIS—Sneath.

3B—HOIS—Reif 2. HR—HOIS—Crawford.

Hoisington 010 033 0 —  7 12 4

Hesston 233 020 x — 10 7 2

Crawford, Tarlton (2) and Crutcher. Richmond and Roth. W—Richmond. L—Crawford. 2B—HOIS—Crutcher, Crawford, Maier, Brewer; HESS—Griffin.