WEATHERFORD, OKLAHOMA - Northwestern Oklahoma State Softball completes their Tuesday doubleheader against Southwestern Oklahoma State by completing a sweep over the Bulldogs in the doubleheader. The Rangers won game one 4-2 before taking the second game as well 7-3 propelled by a grand slam from Rachel Sherwood.
Northwestern improves to 12-11 overall on the season with a 4-7 conference record.
GAME ONE:
In the opening game of the day the Ranger offense struck first in the top half of the first inning as a Avery Clark walk led to a Hannah Howell two run home run to center field to give the Rangers the early 2-0 lead.
However Southwestern was ready to answer in the bottom of the inning after a one out single led to a two run home run from their three hitter Boline to tie the game at 2-2, which would be the only two runs Howell would allow.
The Rangers quickly regained the lead in the top of the second inning as a Laney Anderson leadoff double and a Madeline Pack single and stolen base led to a Macy Spearman RBI single for the 3-2 lead over the Bulldogs.
Northwestern and Southwestern would match zeros from there until the fifth inning when Northwestern extended the lead as a single by Avery Clark followed by a Howell double led to a Laney Anderson sacrifice fly to left field scoring Clark for a 4-2 lead.
After Howell led the way into the seventh inning Southwestern tried to comeback as a Jones leadoff double followed by a Hook single and a stolen base put the tying run on second base, however Hannah Howell struck out the final hitter of the game to hold onto the 4-2 victory over the Bulldogs and win the first game of the two games on Tuesday.
GAME TWO:
Southwestern looked to strike first after having a single and a walk for first and second but back-to-back pop up got Ranger starter Ireland Caro out of the inning scoreless. Rangers had a single from Howell but were unable to score in the inning.
The game remained scoreless into the fourth inning when Southwestern struck first after two singles and a walk loaded the bases. A sacrifice fly to left field scored the game's first run.
However the Rangers struck back in the bottom of the fourth inning when Howell led the inning off with a single before Rachel Sherwood followed and set up first and second, before an Aveli Gonzalez RBI single tied the game at one. Tatum Winters followed with an RBI single giving the Rangers a 2-1 lead after four innings.
After a perfect fifth inning the Rangers wasted no time extending the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Avery Tittle led off with a walk followed by a Avery Clark single. Hanna Howell then drove in a run with an RBI single. Following a Laney Anderson walk to load the bases Rachel Sherwood hit a grand slam to right center for a 7-1 lead over the Bulldogs.
Southwestern was able to get two runs back in the sixth inning on a 2-run home run from Gentry but that was all they could get.
After Ireland Caro went six innings to earn the win Howell pitched the final three out securing the doubleheader sweep over Southwestern on Tuesday.
The Rangers will return to action on Friday March 15th opening a three game series against Arkansas Tech in Russellville, Arkansas.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Athletics, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
