ALVA, OKLA - Northwestern Oklahoma State's comeback bid fell short in the seventh and final inning. After being tied 1-1 most of the game Southeastern opened a 6-1 lead before Northwestern cut the deficit to one before the Savage Storm held on for a one run lead.
The loss drops Northwestern to an even 9-9 record and 3-6 in conference as the Savage Storm improve to 15-11 on the season.
Hannah Howell received the start in the game on throwing a complete game striking out seven Storm hitters allowing two earned runs.
The Ranger offense was led by Mackenzie Adams with two hits on the day along with 4-RBIs in the loss on a grand slam. Abby DeTar led the first inning off with a solo home run. Howell had the other Ranger RBI. Northwestern had four hitters with one hit each.
Howell started things off by retiring Southeastern in order including two strikeouts in the opening frame. As the Rangers offensviley opened the game with a solo home run by DeTar scoring the game's first run taking an early 1-0 lead.
Southeastern wasted no time though, tying the game in their half of the inning on a bunt single with a runner on third following a double as their first run came across the plate to tie the game at one. The pitchers were dialed in though from this point on the sides were retired in order three different times as the game remained 1-1 from that second inning to the Storm's half of the fifth.
The inning started with a line out to left before a single through the left side got things started for Southeastern. With runners on the corner a Streetman triple to right center cleared the bases bringing home the game's next two runs for a 3-1 lead. An error would allow the fourth run to come home (third of the inning) before a Galloway single to right field brought Lambert around to score for a 5-1 lead through five innings.
After a scoreless bottom of the fifth for the Rangers, Southeastern extended their lead to six to one following a single and a stolen base to start the inning. A Durst single later in the inning brought home the sixth run.
In the bottom of the inning a Solberg single started the rally after stealing second putting herself in scoring position. Adams delivered a single, scoring Solberg and an error later in the play on the throw.
Southeastern extended their lead in the seventh with two runs, the first one coming on a sacrifice fly before an error allowed the second run to come around to score for an 8-2 Southeastern lead.
In the bottom of the seventh though the Rangers did not go down quietly as the Rangers would have three straight batters reach safely before Howell drove a run home ona hit by pitch forcing in the run bringing the score to 8-3.
Adams continued the rally as she blasted a grand slam to left field, clearing the bases and bringing the deficit down to one at 8-7. Southeastern escaped further damage ending the game on a fly out to left field as the final ended 8-7 Saturday afternoon.
The Rangers will return to action at home to close out the three game series for a doubleheader Sunday with an 11:00 AM first pitch with the second game following 30 minutes after.
