ALVA, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State softball opened their final series of the season with a three game set against Ouachita Baptist. The Rangers won a close first game 4-1 after going down 1-0 early on. In game two the Rangers fell 7-4 after the Tigers started the game with five straight runs.
GAME ONE:
Ouachita Baptist struck first with the game's first run as they started the game a single and a hit batter. This set up an RBI single by Williams scoring Ward for a 1-0 lead. Hannah Howell had a hit in the bottom half of the inning but was left on base.
In the second inning a leadoff single by the Tigers but a strike out and two ground outs ended the inning. The game stayed 1-0 into the bottom of the fourth inning when two walks to start the inning to Abby DeTAr and Hannah Howell. A double steal set up second and third with nobody out before a sacrifice fly by Mackenzie Adams had the Rangers tied 1-1 through four innings of play.
The fifth inning is when the Rangers struck once more after a perfect inning from Howell including two strikeouts held momentum for the Rangers. Gladness led off with a walk before a 2-run home run by Lindsey McElroy pushed the Rangers in front 3-1. Inning did not stop there as Macy Spearman doubled before an Abby DeTar RBI single had the Rangers leading 4-1.
The game remained 4-1 as Howell retired 7 straight before the Tigers had their leadoff hitter reach in the seventh on an error. Howell retired the next three batters including a strikeout on the final batter of the game to end the first game.
GAME TWO:
For the second straight game the Tigers jumped out first and early following first inning runs. The game started with three straight singles to load the bases with nobody out. Jourdan then followed with an RBI groundout fielder's choice for a 1-0 lead. Ornelas followed with an RBI single for a 2-0 lead.
In the second inning the Tigers struck for two more runs making it two straight innings with two runs taking a 4-0 lead. The inning started with two straight singles with one out before a walk loaded the bases with two outs. Lester followed with the 2-RBI single pushing the game to that point.
In the home half of the second inning the Rangers picked up two singles and a walk but a double play and a groundout kept the game at 4-0 through two innings. The game remained 4-0 through four innings but the Rangers had a scoring chance in the fourth after a double by McElroy set up second and third but the Rangers were unable to score.
In the fifth inning the Tigers used a leadoff double to start their rally before an RBI single by Smith was the first run of the inning. Waid then hit an RBI single later in the inning for the 6-0 lead over the Rangers.
Northwestern was able to answer back with a few runs in the 5th inning themselves following a one out single by Avery Tittle followed by a single by Spearman setup first and third. DeTar drove in the first run cutting the deficit to 6-1.
Rangers followed the fifth inning with a major sixth scoring three runs. IT started with a Madeline Pack home run as the Ranges trailed 6-2. Oakley and Gladness singled, setting up first and second. Tittle then singled in a run as the Rangers now trailed 6-3. Northwestern was able to get one more run on an RBI groundout by Macy Spearman.
Ouachita Baptist got one run back in the seventh inning as Church was able to hit an RBI single, scoring Smith.
With the Rangers trailing 7-4 in the final at bat for Northwestern was able to get one base runner on a walk to McElroy but was unable to score as the Tigers closed out the 7-4 victory.
After the split doubleheader the Rangers will look to win the series Sunday afternoon to close out the season. First pitch of the season finale is scheduled for Noon with senior day ceremonies to follow after the game.
