(Peru, Neb.) – A late-inning comeback gave the Peru State their first Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) win of the season over Missouri Valley in Marshall, Mo., on Saturday. The Bobcats took the first contest 9-1 in five innings.

The Vikings came back to claim the second game 6-4.
 
Peru State is now 2-10 on the season and 1-3 in the Heart. Mo Valley is 8-9 overall and 3-3 in conference action.
 
First Game Action
 
The Wildcats scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning and held that lead until the top of the third inning.

 
In the top of the third, Alena Montoya (Lakewood, Colo.) got on board after being hit by a pitch. After two outs, Tyler Farrell (Braden, Fla.) actually struck out by was safe at first due to a wild pitch with Montoya moving to second. Ally Hazen (North Platte) singled to right to score Montoya to tie the game.
 
Alyiah Franco (Syracuse, Utah) doubled to deep center to start the fourth inning and then went to third on an error. After an out, Payton Beckmann (Syracuse) singled shallow down the left field line to drive in Franco to lead 2-1. Montoya would reach base on a wild throw with Beckmann moving to second. Both base runners would advance on the play. After an out, Jordynn Jimenez (Delano, Calif.) singled thru the hole at shortstop to score Beckmann. The Bobcats would lead 3-1 at that point.
 
Hazen started the top of the fifth Hazen singled to shallow center. Morgan Ritchie (Lincoln) reached first on a fielder's choice with Hazen forced out at second. Franco reached on an error with Ritchie moving to second. On another error, Regan Kirby (Gretna) reached base to load the bases. Beckmann singled thru the hole at shortstop to drive in Ritchie. Montoya followed with a triple to clear the bases. Takia Walker (Enterprise, Fla.) singled thru the hole at second base to score Montoya. After an out, Walker stole second base. Farrell singled to shallow left-center with Walker scoring the ninth run of the game for the 'Cats!
 
After holding the Vikings scoreless in the bottom of the fifth, Peru State won by the run rule.
 
The Bobcats scored their nine runs on nine hits and committed two errors. Missouri Valley scored their lone run on four hits and committed four errors.
 
Hazen and Beckmann each had two hits to lead the team. Montoya led the team with three RBI while Beckmann added two.

 
Alana Krieser (Lincoln) picked up the win while pitching a complete game. Krieser allowed four hits and one earned run.

MISSOURI VALLEY GAME ONE GAME BOOK
 
Second Game Action
 
Mo Valley scored first with a run in the bottom of the second.
 
In the top of the third, Montoya started the frame with a single shallow down the right field line. Walker followed with a single to shallow center. Jimenez laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Farrell doubled to deep left-center to drive in both base runners to put the 'Cats up 2-1 for a short while.
 
The Vikings would regain the lead in the bottom of the inning with a pair of runs to lead 3-2.
 
After the 'Cats left two on base in the top of the fifth without scoring, the Vikings plated three runs to extend their lead to 6-2.
 
The Bobcats would get a pair of runs in the top of the sixth. Ritchie doubled down the left field line and would go to third when Franco reached on an error. After a pitching change, Kirby singled to drive in Ritchie with Franco advancing to third on the play. After an out, Franco would score on a passed ball to make the score 6-4 – which would eventually be the final score.
 
Missouri Valley scored their six runs on 11 hits and committed one error. Peru State scored their four runs on nine hits and had three miscues.
 
Walker, Ritchie, Kirby, and Montoya each had two hits to lead the 'Cats. Farrell led the team with two RBI while Kirby was credited with one.

 
Ritchie started the game on the mound and threw four innings while being tagged for the loss. Ritchie gave up eight hits and four runs – one earned. Taylor Moya (Keenesburg, Colo.) threw one inning. Moya gave up three hits and two runs. Krieser tossed the final inning and struck out one.

MISSOURI VALLEY GAME TWO GAME BOOK
 
Upcoming Contests
 
Peru State will stay in Missouri and play another Heart opponent tomorrow in Fayette, Mo. The Central Methodist Eagles, who are receiving votes in the last coaches' poll, will be the opponent. The Eagles are presently 12-8 on the year and are 4-2 in conference play having won their last three games in a row.
 
The Bobcats are then scheduled to be at home for three consecutive dates: March 26 – Grand View (Iowa) – DH at 3 p.m., March 27 – Clarke (Iowa) – DH at 3 p.m., and March 29 – Evangel (Mo.) – DH at 2 p.m.