SPRINGFIELD, MO —
Game 1: Lady Eagles Takes Game One Over Evangel, 6–4
OKWU opened its two-game series against Evangel with a solid 6–4 victory on Tuesday, improving to 25–8 on the season.
The Eagles broke through in the third inning, capitalizing on a pair of Evangel errors before R. Rector delivered a two-RBI double to give OKWU an early 2–0 lead. Evangel responded with a run in the bottom half, but OKWU stayed in control.
The key moment came in the fifth inning when the Eagles extended their lead. B. Purtell drove in a run with a single, and M. Fory followed with a two-run home run to push the advantage to 5–1.
R. Rector led the offense with two hits, including a double, and two RBIs, while B. Purtell added two hits and an RBI. M. Fory finished with three RBIs, highlighted by her home run.
In the circle, G. Simpson earned the win, tossing six innings with nine strikeouts while allowing just two runs. A. Rogers came in to close the game and secure the save despite a late push from Evangel, who scored two runs in the seventh.
Oklahoma Wesleyan added an insurance run in the final inning, which proved crucial as Evangel threatened late but fell short.
Game 2: Oklahoma Wesleyan Falls to Evangel in Game Two, 6–2
OKWU split its doubleheader with Evangel on Tuesday, dropping game two by a score of 6–2 after taking the opener earlier in the day.
The Eagles struck first in the second inning when L. Hernandez delivered an RBI single, and a defensive miscue allowed the game's first run to score for a 1–0 lead. OKWU held that advantage until the fourth inning when Evangel capitalized on an error to plate two unearned runs and take the lead.
Evangel broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring four runs on five hits to extend its lead to 6–1.
The Lady Eagles showed signs of life in the sixth inning. M. Fory reached base and later scored, while L. Hernandez added her second hit of the game with another RBI to cut the deficit to 6–2. However, the Eagles were unable to generate any further offense.
L. Hernandez led the way offensively, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while M. Fory scored both of Oklahoma Wesleyan's runs and added a hit and a stolen base. The Eagles were limited to just four hits in the contest.
In the circle, Y. Vargas took the loss, allowing four runs over four innings. The Eagles' defense struggled at times, committing three errors that led to key Evangel scoring opportunities.
Oklahoma Wesleyan moves to 25–9 on the season following the split and will look to bounce back in its next outing.
