The Fort Hays State softball team was handed their first conference loss of the season in the first game against Southwest Baptist on Saturday, but they rebounded to win the second game and gain the series split. The Tigers dropped the first game 2-0 before taking game two 6-1. FHSU is now 17-7 (5-1 MIAA) on the year.
Game 1: Southwest Baptist 2, Fort Hays State 0
Fort Hays State was unable to mount much offense in the first game, recording three base hits and getting shut out for just the second time this season.
Maddie Holub had a strong outing from the circle, striking out 13 Bearcat batters and allowing just four hits. However, Southwest Baptist strung three hits together in the top of the sixth inning and used two Tiger errors to push across both of their runs. Holub took the loss, falling to 9-5 on the season.
The Tigers best chance to score was in the bottom of the sixth. Taylor Nelson reached on an error by SBU and got to third after a sacrifice bunt by Callie Wright. FHSU was unable to push Nelson across, however, after Holub grounded out to the third baseman to end the inning.
Game 2: Fort Hays State 6, Southwest Baptist 1
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Tigers rallied with a four-run third inning before adding two more in the fifth to put away the Bearcats in the second game.
Putman started the third with a single and advanced to third on consecutive sacrifice bunts by Christine Moses and Kellie Olsen. The Tigers then started a two-out rally with a Nelson single that scored Putman. Wright followed with a single of her own then stole second to give FHSU two runners in scoring position. Holub came through with a two-RBI single to left field before coming around to score on a single by Chelsey Rottinghaus.
Rottinghaus added a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning to put the Tigers ahead by the final margin of 6-1.
Kaitlyn Shattleroe pitched a complete game for Fort Hays State, allowing just three hits and one run. She also struck out four Bearcats and improved her record to 7-1 on the year.
The Tigers are out of action until next weekend when they travel to Lindenwood on Friday (March 23) and Lincoln on Saturday (March 24).
– FHSU Sports Information –