FHSU Sports Information Department
DENVER – Fort Hays State dropped both games of a non-conference doubleheader at Metro State University of Denver on Tuesday (Mar. 15). The Tigers lost in walk-off fashion in game one, before falling by three in the nightcap. FHSU is now 9-14 overall on the season, while Metro State improved to 18-10.
Game 1: Metro State 3, Fort Hays State 2
Fort Hays State tied the game twice, but fell victim to a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh in a 3-2 loss.
Metro State took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double, but the Tigers countered with a run in the second on an RBI single from Courtney Dobson. The Roadrunners grabbed the lead back, 2-1, with an RBI groundout in the third.
The Tigers had a golden opportunity to do more than tie the game in the sixth. Back-to-back doubles by Tori Beltz and Samantha Villarreal tied the game 2-2 with just one out, but the next two Tiger batters struck out to end a great opportunity to take a lead.
That proved costly as Metro State led off the seventh with a single and the runner moved up on a sacrifice bunt. Then Brooke Lovas had a seeing-eye single through the right side that scored the runner from second to end the game.
Paxton Duran took the loss for FHSU, moving to 6-8 on the season. She allowed three runs on six hits and four walks in 6.1 innings of work, while striking out six.
Hayley Fields picked up the win in relief for Metro State, moving to 11-3 on the season. She threw the last two innings, allowing one run on two hits, but struck out five.
Game 2: Metro State 5, Fort Hays State 2
Fort Hays State jumped out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the second, but it was short-lived as Metro State scored three in the bottom half and then a pair in the fourth to take the nightcap 5-2.
In the second inning, Kylie Strand drove in the first run of the game with a single and Madeline LaPolla followed with an RBI groundout.
A throwing error by the Tigers in the bottom of the second proved costly, as it led to unearned runs as three crossed plate for Metro State in the inning. The Roadrunners tacked on a pair of RBI singles in the fourth to grow their lead to three.
That was plenty for Metro State starter Kailey Christensen, who allowed five hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 6.0 innings of work. Sarah Bretti worked a 1-2-3 seventh for the save.
Carrie Clarke took the loss for FHSU, going 3.1 innings. She allowed seven hits and three walks, while striking out two. Paxton Duran threw the final 2.2 innings and did not allow a hit with three strikeouts.
Fort Hays State looks to bounce back in a doubleheader at Colorado Mines on Wednesday (Mar. 16) starting at 12 pm MT/1 pm CT.