Carbondale Reporter

The Southern Illinois University softball team extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-3 victory over Missouri State on Tuesday. The Salukis, now standing at 21-15 overall and 13-1 in conference play, triumphed against the Lady Bears in Springfield, Missouri.

Southern Illinois scored six runs on ten hits and committed one error during the game. Missouri State concluded the game with three runs on six hits and one error.

McKenzie Newcomb, now boasting a 13-5 record, earned the win for the Salukis. She allowed four hits, three runs (all unearned), and one walk, while striking out seven batters across 4.1 innings. Offensively, Anna Carder shone for Southern Illinois with a 3-for-4 performance, contributing one run and one RBI. Mikaela Coburn also added to the offense, going 2-for-4 in the win. Amanda Knutson made a notable contribution with a solo home run in the fourth inning, marking her fourth of the season.

The game began with a strong performance from the Salukis as they scored two runs in the first inning. A sequence of a Carder single, an Erin Lee walk, and an RBI single by Emily Williams initiated the scoring. Addi Baker later doubled to drive in another run.

Emma Gipson, starting her 17th game of the season, managed a solid opening by not allowing any hits in the first inning and successfully navigating a jam in the second. She was eventually relieved by Newcomb after completing 2.2 innings, having allowed two hits and no runs.

The Salukis extended their lead to 3-0 with Knutson's fourth-inning homer. Another run was added in the fifth inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by Lee, and two additional runs came in the sixth.

Despite Missouri State's efforts to rally with three runs in the final inning, Southern Illinois maintained their lead to secure the 6-3 win. The team's next challenge will be against the University of Missouri on Wednesday, followed by a return home to face Bradley over the weekend.

For more updates on the Salukis, follow the team's social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or use the "Salukis" Mobile App available on the App Store and Google Play Store.