WEATHERFORD, Okla. – SWOSU Softball took on Southern Nazarene in a GAC doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. SNU took game one 7-4 and SWOSU claimed the series finale 4-3.
SWOSU will continue their non-conference schedule next week for their midweek games. They head north for a doubleheader with Newman on Tuesday, beginning at 2:30 pm. This is a rematch from earlier in the season, where SWOSU was victorious 11-7.
GAME ONE – SNU 7, SWOSU 4
Southern Nazarene jumped out to a quick lead to start the day. Multiple singles got four of the first five Crimson Storm batters on base, scoring one. A double cleared the bases and drove in two more runs to make it 3-0.
The scoring ceased for a while after this. A couple one hit innings and a six-batter inning kept the pace of the game quick for the middle innings.
Caitlin Delaney got the scoring restarted in the fifth with a leadoff shot to left center field. This sparked a three-run inning for SWOSU to tie up the game at 3-3. SWOSU had all the momentum heading into the top of the sixth.
SNU killed that momentum as fast as SWOSU obtained it. They put two runs in the next half inning to retake the advantage.
They had another two-run inning in the seventh to push the lead out of reach for a Bulldogs comeback. Loaded bases for SWOSU in the bottom of the seventh caused some late game drama, but only one scored to close the final gap to three.
Brianna Cryer went 5.2 innings and was on the hook for the loss.
Jordyn Wadley went 2-4 with two RBIs for the Dawgs.
GAME TWO – SWOSU 4, SNU 3
A defensive battle ensued for the series finale. There wasn't a base hit until the top of the third inning for either team.
Even with this lack of offense, SWOSU had an early chance to get runs. Three walks in the bottom of the second inning loaded the bases for the Bulldogs with only one out. Like multiple times this series, they were unable to move any of the three runners and left the frame without any runs.
Something had to give in the pitching duel and eventually the bats warmed up. The bottom of the fifth was an explosion for SWOSU. Again the Bulldogs loaded the bases with just one out gone.
Kaylee Barkley getting hit at the plate brought home the first run of the game. A sacrifice fly combined with a throwing error from the Crimson Storm outfield saw two more score.
Katie Boline scored the final run of the inning with a single to left field.
SNU answered the big inning from SWOSU, as they had all series. Two base hits led to a single that scored both base runners. The damage was held to those two though, after the Bulldogs turned a double play to end the frame.
SWOSU walked into the final inning with a two-run cushion and three outs till a victory. After the first batter flew out, the Crimson Storm entered a pinch hitter. She blasted a solo home run to shave the lead to just one.
Taryn Westbrook stood unfazed in the circle and calmly procured two outs in the next two SNU batters to close the game.
Westbrook pitched the full seven innings and fared well, pitching five scoreless innings to start the game.
Maddie Rahon batted 2-3 and scored a run to led the SWOSU offense.
