Lady Cards ride extra-hit barrage

LEBANON, Mo. — The Mineral Area softball team used a plethora of extra-base hits to earn a decisive doubleheader sweep on a neutral field Wednesday.

Five home runs powered a 16-7 victory over North Arkansas in the opening contest, and seven doubles highlighted a 13-1 rout in game 2.

The Lady Cardinals scored nine runs in the second inning to build an 11-0 advantage early in game 1. Lauren Stamp pitched three scoreless innings in relief for the win.

Mikala Torrence went 3-for-4 with a home run, two doubles and three RBI while scoring three runs, and Faith Eaves added three more hits.

Also going deep were Stamp, Alicia Otero, starting pitcher Carrie Adams and Darby Ferguson, who totaled four RBI at the plate.

Kimmie Roberts recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in the circle during game 2, pitching a 3-hitter for MAC.

Courtney Massengale and Stamp each notched three RBI on two hits, and the Lady Cards jumped ahead early with seven runs in the first inning.

Eaves added two doubles and Torrence was 2-for-3 with two runs scored. Chelsei Dale, Alina Fields and Paige Faircloth singled off the bench.

Mineral Area (25-18) will host Three Rivers for two games on Thursday.