ALVA, OKLAHOMA - The Ranger Softball team closed out the three-game series with Southern Nazarene on Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader. In game one, the Crimson Storm jumped out early using a four-run first inning to lead to a 10-3 win. The second game after the Rangers struck first with a first inning run, Southern Nazarene answered back with a four spot lead to the 10-3 victory over the Rangers.
The Rangers drop to 5-15 in conference play with a 9-23 overall record this season. Southern Nazarene improves to 13-7 in conference with a 22-13 record.
GAME ONE:
Rosemary Rivera led the offense with one hit, a run scored, and a 3-RBI after delivering a three-run home run in the seventh inning. Kirby Van Haren and Jadyn Muns had the other Ranger hits in the game, while Kacie Graves and Devynn Raile scored runs.
Southern Nazarene jumped out early in the first game after an error and single put runners on base before an RBI single scored the game's first run, for the first of back to back singles. Hilton followed with the third straight single this time a 2-RB single that gave the Crimson Storm a 4-0 lead in the inning.Â
The Rangers had base runners in the second and third innings as Lapera reached scoring position after a stolen base but Southern Nazarene kept the game at 4-0 following a pop up to short.Â
Hilton led the fourth inning off for Southern Nazarene with a solo home run to extend the visitors' lead to 5-0. The Crimson Storm extended the lead in the fifth inning on a 2-run home run to right field for a 7-0 lead through five innings.
The lead was extended to 10-0 in the top of the seventh inning after an RBI double followed by an RBI single gave the Crimson Storm the 10-run lead.Â
Northwestern had a leadoff double by Van Haren before a walk led to a three-run home run by Rosemary Rivera as the Rangers trailed 10-3. The Crimson Storm closed out the 10-3 win over the Rangers after a strikeout ended the game, leading to the series win for Southern Nazarene.Â
GAME TWO:Â
The Rangers had three players, each with two hits in the second game as Rachel Sherwood, Kirby Van Haren, and Avery Clark had team highs. Kennedi Caine and Kirby Van Haren each had an RBI.
Chloe Brown pitched a scoreless first inning, allowing the Rangers' offense to strike first. Started by Rachel Sherwood, from a two out double led to a Van Haren single to right field and the early 1-0 lead.
Southern Nazarene answered back in the second inning with an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1. This led to a 2-RBI triple with the hitter Evans coming around to score on the error, taking a 4-1 lead over the Rangers.Â
In the bottom of the inning, the Rangers scored one run back after a walk and a double set up second and third, leading to a Caine sacrifice fly as the Rangers trailed 4-2.Â
The fourth inning is when the Crimson Storm extended their lead to 7-2 after two singles to start the inning before a three run home run put the visitors up by five runs.
Southern Nazarene scored their final runs of the game in the seventh inning on an RBI single and an RBI double pushed the Crimson Storm in front 10-2. Â
A double play ended the game as Southern Nazarene closed out the 10-2 win over the Rangers completing the three game sweep.Â
The Rangers are on the road against Central Oklahoma on Tuesday, April 1st, before returning home for a conference series against Oklahoma Baptist.Â
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