ARKADELPHIA, ARKANSAS - Northwestern Oklahoma State closed out their three game series with Ouachita Baptist Saturday morning into the afternoon. The Rangers took the third game of the series in Arkadelphia. After taking the lead in the second inning the Rangers used a five run fourth inning to gain control Saturday before closing out a 9-4 victory over Ouachita.
The win improves the Rangers record to 12-16 with a 6-11 conference record. The Tigers fall to 10-20 on the season
Hannah Howell picked up her ninth win of the season after throwing her 10th complete game of the season. She pitched seven innings while striking out five in the win in 131 pitches.
The Ranger offense was led in hits by Jocelyn Long with a 3-4 day at the plate with one run scored. Northwestern had three hitters each with two on the day including Abby DeTar, Jaci Oakley, and Morgan La Neve. Northwestern hit three home runs in the win from Mackenzie Adams, Hannah Howell, and La Neve.
Northwestern jumped out fast in the first inning with two straight doubles to left center. DeTar led the game off with a double before Oakley followed with an RBI double for the game's first run.
The lead did not last as the Tigers answered back with two runs in their half of the inning after loading the bases Miller singled down the left field line to drive home both runs for a 2-1 lead after the opening inning.
The Red-and-Black were ready to answer back though as in their half of the second the Rangers led the inning off with back-to-back home runs. Howell led the inning off with a home run on the second pitch of the at-bat. La Neve followed with a home run to left center putting the Rangers back in front 3-2.
Howell pitched a scoreless second inning holding the Rangers one run lead through two innings.
The teams traded zeros in the third inning before the Rangers were able to have a big fourth inning to give the Red-and-Black some breathing room. La Neve singled to left field along with Long putting two runners on base for a DeTar single back up the middle scoring two runs to extend the lead to 5-2. Detar advanced to third on the throw before scoring on a wild pitch for a 6-2 lead. Following an Oakley single Adams completed the big inning with a 2-run home run to left field for an 8-2 lead.
Jones got one run back the Tigers on a one out solo home run to cut their deficit to five runs at 8-3. The Rangers ninth and final run of the game was scored with the Rangers having the bases loaded a single, hit batter, and walk allowed Jill Bouse to score on a passed ball.
In the sixth inning the Tigers had their best chance to comeback and tie the game as they loaded the bases with nobody out but two ground out and a flyout allowed the Rangers to get out of the inning with only allowing one run.
A perfect seventh inning by Howell closed out the 9-4 road victory for the Rangers over the Tigers.
Northwestern will play at home Tuesday, March 29th for an afternoon doubleheader scheduled for a first pitch at 1:00 PM followed by game two around 3:00 PM. Northwestern will then return to conference play next weekend in Bethany.
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