Panther softball struggles at Keokuk

KEOKUK — The Mt. Pleasant softball team couldn’t relive Monday’s magic on Thursday night in Keokuk. Just three days after picking up their first Southeast Conference win of the year, the Panthers tried to upend the Chiefs on their own home field, but Keokuk cruised to a 13-3 five inning victory.

Keokuk scored nine runs in the first inning, which put the Panthers in a big hole early. Mt. Pleasant battled back with two runs in the second, but Keokuk scored four in the third, and the Chiefs led 13-2.

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Mt. Pleasant had to score at least two runs in the fifth inning to keep the game going. Instead, the Panthers had to settle for just one, and the Chiefs locked in a 10-point win.

The loss comes on the heels of a wild doubleheader on Monday, which saw the Panthers win Game 1, 12-6, before falling 13-10 in Game 2.

On Thursday, the Pantehrs collected nine hits on the day. Three of those were by Emma Starr, who went 3-for-3 with three singles. Myah Starr had a nice night at the plate as well, finishing 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs.

Jayden Housh was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Panthers. She knocked in one run on the day. Jersey Beachy added two hits of her own.

Jolynn Martin started the game in the circle and gave u nine runs (three earned) over two frames to pick up the loss. Tyi Alter threw two innings as well, giving up four runs (two earned).

Mt. Pleasant fell to 1-5 in conference play with the loss, and it doesn’t get any easier on Monday, as the Panthers play ninth-ranked Burlington (6-0), the only unbeaten team left in SEC play.