SEARCY, Ark. – Oklahoma Baptist (14-3, 1-1 GAC) notched a 3-0 shutout victory over Harding (14-3, 1-1 GAC) in game one before falling 3-1 in Saturday's finale to split the opening day of its weekend series in Searcy.
It was the first win against Harding since 2021, and the first time the Bison have shutout HU since 2019.
GAME ONE
Kayleigh Jones earned her 11th win of the season after striking out 11 batters without giving up a run. Jones faced 29 batters en route to her seventh complete game.
Morgan Max led OBU with a 2-2 showing at the plate and batted in two of her teammates. Four others, including Emily Adler and Adi Reese, registered a hit tonight.
Oklahoma Baptist came into the contest with their hair on fire, erupting for three scores in the opening frame.
Battling a full count, Reese singled to left to place the first Bison on base. E. Adler singled in the next at-bat to advance Reese before Max doubled down the left-field line to score each. Then a fielding error crossed Max for the inning's third run.
Harding would not recover, as dominance in the circle from Jones and outstanding defensive play granted OBU the triumph.
Despite leaving eight runners on base and recording seven hits, the Bisons never reached third base in the contest.
GAME TWO
Harding's bats remained ablaze in the finale as they out-hit OBU for a second time, 9-8.
Still, Oklahoma Baptist got on the board first with a Max solo shot over right center that claimed a 1-0 lead in the second inning.
Two scoreless frames passed before Harding's Leigha Harris blasted a three-run homer for a 3-1 advantage. OBU couldn't piece things together over the next two inning despite leaving five on base.
A ground out with bases loaded at the top of the seventh secured the final out and win for Harding.
Aspen Younce faced 28 batters in 6.0 innings of action. She fanned five batters, walked one, and allowed three runs.
Max turned in her second straight two-hit game in three at-bats. She added an RBI and a scored run. Reagan Ford matched Max with a 2-3 performance at the plate.
The Bison return to action tomorrow at 1 p.m. in pursuit of a series win over Harding.
