The Central Methodist softball team matched its highest national ranking in program history, jumping one spot to No. 5 in the NAIA Softball Coaches Top 25 poll last Wednesday morning.

The last time CMU was ranked No. 5 was in the 2016 preseason poll. That year CMU finished with a 43-18 record and claimed their sixth straight regular-season conference title.

Grand View is the only other Heart program mentioned in the Top 25, as the Vikings are currently receiving votes. CMU and Grand View are currently 1-2 in the conference standings.

The Eagles are No. 1 in the nation in runs batted in with 292.They also rank second in batters struck out with 320, No. 3 in doubles (87), and No. 5 in earned run average (1.270).

Eagles split with Baker

Central Methodist split Thursday night’s doubleheader against Baker, dropping the first game 7-4 before securing a 4-0 victory in game two.

The Eagles moved to 38-5 overall and 24-4 in conference play while the Wildcats moved to a 11-9 overall and 9-5 in the Heart

In the first game, Baker jumped on the scoreboard early, posting two runs in the top of the second. The Eagles answered back with two runs in the bottom of the inning to tie the game at 2-2, featuring a double from freshman Katelyn Kolb to score senior Hannah Criswell and freshman Micaela Harcrow.

Both teams scored one run in the third inning, but Baker regained the lead in the fourth after scoring four. Sophomore Katelyn Kiser trimmed the lead with a solo home run to center field. Central went scoreless over the final four innings, while BU added a run in the sixth to hand Central a 7-4 loss.

Kolb led the offense, batting three-for-three with two RBI. Criswwell, Kiser, Harcrow, and freshman Kelena Oots each added one hit with Criswell and Kiser driving in one run apiece.

Junior Keighlan Cronin gave up four earned runs on nine hits, and struck out three batters in the loss.

In the second game, both teams were scoreless through the first two innings. Central jumped out in front in the third inning on an error by Baker, scoring two. CMU added two runs in the fifth, as senior Kelli Gorman scored on a single from freshman Madison White, followed by an RBI single from Harcrow. Both teams remained scoreless in the last two innings giving the Eagles their 38th win of the season.

Harcrow, Gorman, and White each collected an RBI. Oots and Harcrow finished the evening with two hits and seniors Morgan Willis and Madison Love, and freshman Madison White added one hit apiece.

Love earned her 19th win of the season in the circle, giving up only two hits and striking out three batters.