SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Bailey Wittenauer hit a grand slam to keep the Indiana State softball team in the hunt at Missouri State, but a late MSU rally kept ISU at bay, 9-5 on Sunday afternoon. The Sycamores are now 18-30 (3-19 MVC) on the year, while Missouri State is 17-28 (12-10 MVC).

Wittenauer hit a grand slam for her team-leading fifth homerun of the season, while Stephanie Robinson also finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a run scored.

Down 3-0 to start the game, Indiana State got on the board in the second inning. Stephanie Jonson sent a leadoff double to leftfield and advanced to third on an infield single by Amber Paz. Kellie Szablewski then singled up the middle, scoring Jonson and making it 3-1.

After MSU made it 4-1 in the third, Indiana State came back strong in the fifth with one swing of the bat by Bailey Wittenauer. Alyssa Doyle and Kacy Kestner both singled early in the inning, and Robinson drew a walk to load the bases for Wittenauer, who smashed a grand slam to left center and gave ISU the lead at 5-4.

MSU would not surrender in its home park, however, rallying for five runs in the bottom of the fifth. Caitlin Chapin had a leadoff single through the left side, and Ashley Knehans doubled to right field, and both runners came in on Stevie Pierce's single to center.  Kirstin Cutter then reached on a fielder's choice, and Alaina Burkhart scored on an error on the play. Christa Gammon's single to the shortstop plated Pierce, and Cutter later scored on a Tyler Porter single to first, giving the Bears their winning tally of 9-5.

Natalie ­Rose (5-10) earned the win after throwing 2.1 innings of relief work, giving up one run on two hits. Meagan McCurdy (8-18) took the loss, going six innings and striking out six MSU batters.

Indiana State returns to action on Saturday, May 8, hosting Wichita State in the final regular-season homestand of the season. The first game is set for Noon (ET) at Price Field, with game two expected to start at approximately 2 p.m.