WEATHERFORD – SWOSU Baseball dropped Friday's series opener to Northwestern, 9-1, as the Rangers used a five-run ninth inning to pull away late.
 
The Bulldogs struggled to find a rhythm offensively, managing just one run despite staying within reach through much of the game.
 
SWOSU's lone run came in the fourth inning on a throwing error during a double-play attempt. The Bulldogs trailed throughout but kept the deficit manageable before the game slipped away in the final inning.
 
Northwestern broke the game open in the ninth, combining five hits with three SWOSU errors to score five runs and extend the margin.
 
Josh Doelitsch (L) turned in a solid outing, pitching 6.0 innings while allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits. He struck out four and walked four, keeping SWOSU in the game before handing things over to the bullpen.
 
The Bulldogs recorded nine hits to Northwestern's 12. John Spoto, Rusty Wortman, and Jose Mendoza each finished with multiple hits.
 
SWOSU will close the regular season Saturday with a doubleheader that will also serve as Senior Day. The Bulldogs will need to win both games and rely on tiebreakers to secure a postseason berth.

A special thank you to Tommy and Christi Sims and Weatherford Sonic for their support of SWOSU Baseball's Pack the Park. Fans in attendance enjoyed complimentary food provided by Sonic and had the opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship through the SWOSU Foundation. Tommy and Christi Sims also continued their longstanding support of SWOSU Baseball with a $1,000 check presentation to Athletic Director Todd Helton and Head Coach JR Head prior to the game. The Sims and Sonic Drive-In of Weatherford have supported SWOSU Baseball for over two decades, with contributions that directly impact the program through scholarships, facility improvements, and team support.