WICHITA, Kan. (March 23, 2013) – Oklahoma Christian wasn't able to come up with a key hit during a sixth-inning rally, allowing Newman (Kan.) to hold on for a 3-2 win on Saturday in the final game of a three-game Heartland Conference softball series.
OC (15-12) already had clinched the series win over Newman (4-27) after sweeping a doubleheader against the Jets on Friday. OC is 6-2 this season against Heartland competition, although its games don't count in the conference standings.
Newman went up 1-0 in the second inning against OC starter Lindsy Moore. Taylor Schawe walked and Katie Traffas reached on a bunt single. Both runners advanced on a throwing error by OC first baseman Danielle Collins. Kaitlyn Padilla's single to left field scored Schawe.
The Jets extended their lead with two runs in the fifth, taking advantage of a wild pitch by OC reliever Taylor Mosher (4-3) on a strikeout and a subsequent throwing error by catcher Kala Ratliff. A two-out double by Traffas made it 3-0.
The Lady Eagles rallied in the sixth against Newman starter Molly Hein (1-9). Martha Thomas walked and Courtney Starr doubled to center field. Ratliff followed with a single down the left-field line that scored Thomas and Lauren Pittman walked to load the bases.
Kelsey Jones relieved Hein and retired Sarah Peoples on a groundout, although Starr scored to make it 3-2. Jones then struck out Michelle Miller and coaxed a groundout from Lauren Chatigny to end the threat.
Jones retired the Lady Eagles in order in the seventh to finish off her first save.
