Autumn McDanel had another stellar performance offensively and defensively striking out 13 and Moravia pulled off another late come-from-behind victory, defeating Cardinal 2-1 to advance to Friday’s Class 1A Region 5 Semifinal.  Cardinal struck first in the top of the first inning scoring on a double by Cassidy McMartin and an RBI single from Shelby Smith.

The Comets defense retired the first six batters faced before Moravia started the third with back-to-back singles but were unable to produce a run.  Cardinal maintained their 1-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth when McDanel blasted a solo home run over the left center field fence to tie the game, her second homer of the season.

After retiring Cardinal in order to start the seventh inning, Moravia came to the plate looking to end the game and did just that as Emma Cochran led off beating out an infield bunt, then Jessica Self ripped a walk off RBI double scoring Cochran to win the game.

Maddie Cloke led Cardinal at the plate going 2 for 3 with a double and a single as the Comets finish their season 15-17 overall.  McDanel led Moravia’s offense going 2 for 3 with a single and homerun.  Peyton Rogers and Emily Moore also each had a hit.

Erika Ash took the loss for Cardinal striking out two while walking none and allowing six hits while McDanel got the win striking out 13, which gives her 31 K’s in the past two games, walking two and allowing just four hits.  Moravia improved to 19-9, has won six of their last seven games and advances to Friday’s Regional Semifinal in New London where they will face New London who beat Danville 10-0 last night.

You can hear that broadcast live on radiokmzn.com starting just before 7 PM Friday night.

Story provided by Jamie Brockman