BETHANY, Okla. – In a premiere clash between the top two teams in the Great American Conference, Oklahoma Baptist prevailed with another series win over Southern Nazarene after splitting Tuesday's doubleheader in Bethany.
OBU (29-11, 21-3 GAC) bested the Crimson Storm (30-12, 19-5 GAC) 10-7 after eight frames in the opener before falling 3-2 in the finale. In the club's first meeting on March 12, OBU run-ruled SNU 10-0.
GAME ONE
The inaugural game was everything spectators hoped for as it pushed OBU into extras for the fifth time this season.
Oklahoma Baptist didn't get on the board until the fourth inning behind a single from Samantha Campos. The Crimson Storm had already scored a run in the second, so the score sat tied at one-all.
Then, the Bison plated four at the top of the fifth to take a commanding lead. Emily Adler singled, and Sammie Greene scored on a passed ball before Morgan Max belted a two-run shot over right field.
SNU retaliated with a score at the bottom of the frame, but OBU's response was much more significant as two Bison crossed the plate in the sixth for a 7-2 cushion.
The opposition regained their rhythm and landed five runs over the next two frames to force free softball.
Oklahoma Baptist quickly took back the reins in the eighth, courtesy of two singles from Reese and Adler, and marched on to victory after Maggie Place retired the side with three straight ground outs.
Adler accounted for two hits and three RBI, while Kennedy Clark also turned in a two-hit performance.
Kayleigh Jones allowed 11 hits and four earned runs across 6.1 frames before being relieved. She also issued four walks and struck out two.
Place didn't surrender a run or hit in a little over an inning of action.
GAME TWO
Three frames went by before either club made a dent in the scoreboard. In the fourth, a Cassidy Morrow and Abby Laskowski ground out allowed a pair across the plate for a 2-0 advantage.
SNU tied the contest in their following at-bat before tacking on another run late and securing the finale.
OBU received hits from Max, Reese, and Morrow. In the circle, Place (12-6) scattered three hits and two earned runs over 6.0 frames. She also forced 12 ground outs and five fly outs.
NEXT UP
Oklahoma Baptist will hit the road for a three-game series with Ouachita Baptist this weekend. Friday's single game will begin at 5 p.m. in Arkadelphia, Ark.
