Bearcats sweep softball on Friday

Game 1: Northwest Missouri State 8, Fort Hays State 0

Northwest Missouri State slowly pulled away from Fort Hays State in the first game, scoring single runs in the first, second, third, and fifth innings to build a 4-0 lead. The Bearcats put the game away in the sixth inning, forcing the run rule by doubling their lead with four more runs.

Fort Hays State had runners in scoring position in three of the six innings, but could not push a run across. The best chance for the Tigers came in the fourth, trailing 3-0 at the time. They loaded the bases with one out, but a fielder’s choice force out at home and then a groundout ended the threat. Terran Caldwell had the only extra base hit of the game for FHSU, a double in the first with one out, but remained stranded at second. With two outs in the sixth, the Tigers got a pair of singles before a fielder’s choice ended another threat.

The Bearcats had three solo home runs, all in the midst of building their 4-0 lead. In the sixth, the Bearcats loaded the bases, then had a two-RBI single and two more RBI singles to end the game.

Taylor Blackford tossed a complete game shutout for the Bearcats, scattering six hits with three strikeouts. Sierra Rodriguez took the loss for FHSU, throwing 4.0 innings. She allowed four runs on eight hits and two walks, while striking out five. Megan Jamison relieved for the final 1.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk. She struck out one batter.

Game 2: Northwest Missouri State 6, Fort Hays State 5

Fort Hays State looked in good position twice to end its long winless drought away from Hays in the second game of the doubleheader. The Tigers took a two-run lead in the fifth, and then again in the sixth, but could not hold off the Bearcats each time. The Bearcats tied the game three times altogether before winning with a walk-off single in the seventh to break a 5-5 tie.

Getting the starting nod at second base in game two, Jeni Mohr provided the Tigers with an offensive spark in the first inning with a double. She came in to score the first run of the game on a two-out Grace Philop RBI single.

The Bearcats evened the score for the first time in the third inning by getting a sacrifice fly. However, the Tigers would get their lead back in the fifth on a two-run home run by Bailey Boxberger. Mohr crossed the plate for a second time after leading off the inning with a single. But, the lead was short lived as Kaitlyn Weis of NWMSU hit a two-run homer in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game 3-3.

The Tigers jumped ahead by two once again in the sixth when a single and error led to an RBI single by Candace Bollig. Mohr followed with a sacrifice fly RBI to extend the lead. However, with two outs on a 1-2 count, Kiana Baderdeen of NWMSU hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth to knot the score again at 5-5.

The Tigers could not get anything going in their half of the seventh and the Bearcats put together a quick rally in the bottom half of the inning to win the game. After a leadoff single, an error put runners at second and third. The next batter walked to set up a force at any base, but it did not matter as Sydne Brashear singled to center field to end the game.

Hailey Chapman took the loss for FHSU, throwing a complete game. She allowed six runs (five earned) on 10 hits and two walks. She struck out three. Northwest Missouri State used three pitchers in the game. Regan Thompson ended up with the win by retiring the Tigers in order in the seventh. Starter Rachel Smith allowed three runs over 4.1 innings, while reliever Holly Posegate allowed two runs over 1.2 innings.

The Tigers are scheduled to play Newman University in a midweek doubleheader on Wednesday in Hays at 3 pm.