SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Oklahoma Baptist (22-8, 7-4 GAC) saw its six-game win streak against non-conference opponents end Wednesday night as the Bison dropped the second half of its midweek tilt to Drury (12-12).
The Panthers took down OBU 1-0 in game one before taking the finale 3-2 after nine innings of action.
GAME ONE
OBU mustered just two hits in game one and left three on base, while the Panthers produced six hits off one of the nation's best pitchers, Kayleigh Jones.
Jones tossed her 12th complete game of the season, collecting six strikeouts and giving up one earned run. The loss moves her season record to 15-4.
Aside from two hits from Oklahoma Baptist and one from Drury, the game's first two innings produced zeros on the scoreboard. Those connections, a couple of singles from Emily Adler and Sydney Adler, left three Bison on base.
At the top of the third, the Panther defense retired OBU 1-2-3 before scoring on a single at the bottom of the frame to claim a 1-0 lead.
Oklahoma Baptist would not register a hit the rest of the way as the opposition made quick work of the Bison in the remaining frames to secure the victory.
It was just the third time OBU had been shutout this season.
GAME TWO
The green and gold's bats came alive for six hits in the finale, still less than the 11 hits Drury came away with. Furthermore, Oklahoma Baptist committed two turnovers to DU's one.
Aspen Younce got the start in the circle and kept the opposition quiet for five innings, fighting her way out of multiple jams. Meanwhile, the Bison got on the board in the fourth, courtesy of a Kennedy Clark sacrifice fly.
The advantage didn't stand long as the Panthers tied the tally at the bottom of the fifth with a single out to left field.
The score remained untouched going into the seventh, and after neither squad produced a run in the final frame, extra softball was called upon.
Kayleigh Jones, who entered as relief in the seventh, forced a fly-out and a pop-up before striking out the final batter to retire DU at the bottom of the eighth.
Riding a small amount of momentum, OBU took back the lead on a Samantha Campos double that drove in Morgan Max.
Unfortunately, the good fortune was short-lived as Drury plated two at the bottom of the inning to walk off with the victory.
Before exiting, Younce faced 30 batters and gave up one earned run. Jones (15-5) was credited with the loss after 2.1 innings in the circle.
Next up, Oklahoma Baptist travels to Monticello for a three-game conference series with Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday and Sunday. First pitch is scheduled for noon on Saturday.
