Joplin, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern softball team got two superb pitching performances from Lacee Craig and Tamika Barnes, as well as a five hit day from Racheal Bowen en route to a double-header sweep of visiting Southwest Baptist, winning 3-1 and 5-0.

Southern (13-27, 4-10 MIAA) scored runs in the first second and fifth innings as Craig went all seven, scattering five hits and striking out five, while allowing just one run for the win.

After reaching on an error to start the game, Kate Brittan stole second and moved to third on a ground out. She then scored when Bowen doubled to the wall in left center. Southern packed on another run in the second when Andrea Childs doubled and JT Taylor singled behind her. Taylor moved to second on the throw home, and Childs scored on a sacrifice fly from Amanda Godfrey.

The Lions added their final run in the fifth on an error. Southwest Baptist (7-29, 4-29 MIAA) scored its lone run in the sixth.

Bowen went 2-3 with an RBI in the game. Brittan, Emily McPeters and Childs all scored a run each.

The Lions scored a run in the second and four in the third to cruise to a 5-0 win in game two. Barnes started and went the distance. She carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning before allowing a bloop single into right.

Bowen started the scoring in the second with a double to right center, one of three on the day. She moved to third on a ground out then scored on an error.

Barnes helped her cause with a double to start the third. Brittan singled behind her moving Barnes to third and later stole second base putting runners at second and third. McPeters singled to center scoring Barnes but the throw from center sailed wide of the plate allowing Brittan to score. McPeters then moved to third when the throw from the catcher to the pitcher backing up home went wide. Bowen singled home McPeters and would score on an RBI triple from Childs.

Barnes shut down the Lady Bearcats, allowing just four hits and striking out three. Bowen went 3-3 with two runs and an RBI, including two doubles. Childs had a triple and two RBIs in the game.

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow with a home double-header against sixth ranked Emporia State. The game will be senior day for the Lions two seniors, Racheal Bowen and Missy Clark.