SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA- The Rangers closed out the series with a Doubleheader today falling short of a win for the Lady Rangers going 0-3 within series to Lady Bison. These two games were hard fought, with a close score of 6-4 in the first game. Second game was cut short due to the run rule of 12-4. NWOSU now stands in the conference 1-5 while OBU is 4-2.
FIRST GAME:
Leadoff hitter Macy Spearman got things started for the Rangers starting with a single into center field. The next two hitters got out but Spearman found the opportunity to steal second base. Oklahoma Baptist got out of the inning with no damage done. With Hannah Howell starting at pitcher today, her and the Lady Rangers were able to allow no hits, keeping the score at 0-0.
Only base action during the second inning for Northwestern was on a walk by Abby DeTar after working a full count. Oklahoma Baptist got their first base runner of the game with a double into left field, but still was short to score in the inning as the game remained 0-0.
The third inning was eventful for both teams. Laney Anderson had her second hit of the game for the Lady Rangers, singling into center. An error was made by the first baseman which allowed Anderson to advance to third base. Hannah Howell hit an RBI into right field making the score 1-0. When it was OBU's turn to bat, they were not shy of answering back with six runs and seven hits in the third inning
Northwestern was looking to find a scoring opportunity in the fourth inning but Oklahoma Baptist escaped with no damage allowed. Howell earned her third strikeout of the game, but another run was scored by Lady Bison resulting in a score of 7-1 for them entering the fifth inning.
Advancement to first was made by Anderson again with a full count walk. Jaci Oakley got her first hit of the game with a single in left, putting two on base for Lady Rangers. Howell hit her second RBI of the game with a double far into left, getting Anderson home. Allie Hufford was put on the mound as relief for Howell in the bottom of the fifth. This inning was a good one for our defense, making two infield plays at third and shortstop and one in center field. No runs or hits were allowed.
Top of the sixth for Northwestern was led by DeTar, sending the ball to left field and securing a double off of a missed catch. After two previous strikeouts, Lindsey McElroy hit today's first homer, scoring 2 RBI's.
Anderson walks for a third time in this game, really analyzing every pitch made by OBU. Lady Rangers entered the bottom of the sixth inning 4-7. First two outs were made by Oakley and DeTar getting the ball to Mackenzie Adams at first. Oakley continued to field extremely well, securing third out. Game ended in the top of the seventh with a score of 4-7 for Oklahoma Baptist.
SECOND GAME:
Returning from the break, Northwestern was able to get some base running action right off the first at bat. Our first base runner reached from an error in left field, allowing second batter DeTar to get on base. At a full count, Howell walked, putting two on base. Bases became loaded with a single hit by Anderson. The Bison defense came up with a big play forcing a ground out and getting the force out at the plate.
Ireland Caro started as pitcher for the second game. The Lady Rangers allowed two hits, but ensured no runs were scored within the first inning.
Avery Clark was up to bat at top of second, and hit a homer to left center, putting the score now 2-0 for Northwestern. Two back-to-back singles were hit by Spearman and DeTar filling first and second. Spearman was able to advance to third base on a fly ball hit by Howell. Bases were then loaded after Anderson got hit by pitch, but could not get another run ending the inning with a strikeout.
Caro pitched the first strikeout of the game beginning the second inning, and second out was play made by second base C. Clark. The Lady Bison were able to get two hits off but no runs scored. The top of the third inning was quick for the Lady Rangers at bat, as they were unable to get a hit off. Oklahoma Baptist climbed out to a 5-2 lead over the Rangers at the end of the inning.
Another home run was hit by DeTar after Spearman singled to first, earning two RBI's and brining the Rangers back within one with a score of 5-4. They were able to get two more hits off, both into the outfield but Northwestern escaped further damage. Following a Bison home run Oklahoma Baptist extended their lead to 8-4.
In the fifth inning, A. Clark was able to get a hit off with a double into left field, and advanced to third thanks to Tatum Winters' at bat. The Bison pitching escaped allowing no runs as they continued to lead 8-4 until their half of the inning. Two hits were made by OBU that resulted in two runs, concluding that inning now 10-4.
No hits were made by Northwestern in the final inning of the game. Oklahoma Bapitst sealed their win with three more hits off two runs extending their lead to eight to end the game short 12-4 to Lady Bison.
Next game for the Lady Rangers will be played at Fort Hays State University on March 7th. This doubleheader will begin at 1:00pm.
