PITTSBURG, Kan. – No. 2 Rogers State softball (23-4, 2-2 MIAA) fell in a doubleheader to Pittsburg State (19-9, 4-2 MIAA) on Saturday.
 
GAME 1 – PSU 1, RSU 0
 
The first game was a classic pitcher's duel with neither side allowing a run in the first inning.
 
The Gorillas got the games only run in the bottom of the second inning for a 1-0 lead. The run scored on a sacrifice fly to left.
 
Over the remaining five innings, both starters combined to scatter six hits with both teams leaving a combined eight runners stranded.
 
RSU's best chance to score came in the top of the sixth as MaKayla Jackson led off the inning with a single to right center with Nicole Price re-entering the game to run for her. Chelsea Spain moved her over to second with a sacrifice bunt. Paxton Donaldson then moved her to third with a groundout to the third baseman. Unfortunately, a strikeout left her stranded.
 
Hannah Harrison (9-3) earned the win. Sara Llamas-Howell (11-1) took her first loss of the season after throwing 6.0 innings and only allowing the one run on five hits with two strikeouts.
 
GAME 2 – PSU 4, RSU 3
 
The second game had more offense as the Hillcats jumped on the board with a 1-0 lead in the first inning. With two outs, Bridgett Morales launched a solo homer over the center field wall.
 
PSU responded by pushing across a run in the home half of the frame to tie things at 1-1. The run scored on a RBI single through the right side of the infield.
 
RSU punched back with two more runs in the second to go back up 3-1. Callie Yellin singled through the left side of the infield with one out to start things. Bobbi Leitha followed suit with her one single through the left side of the infield. Price kept the hit party going and loaded the bases with a single to the shortstop. A wild pitch scored Yellin and moved Leitha and Price into scoring position. Spain earned a walk to reload the bases. Donaldson brought in Leitha with a fielder's choice.
 
The Gorillas answered back in a big way in the bottom of the fifth with three runs to take a 4-3 lead. A three-run blast to right center brought in the winning runs.
 
Bree Sexton (1-1) earned the win, with Hannah Harrison (3) earning the save. Jade Sanders (7-1) took her first loss of the season.
 
The Hillcats will need a short memory as they travel to Joplin, Mo. tomorrow for a doubleheader against Missouri Southern. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.