BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — The Hesston College softball team fell in both games of a road doubleheader to Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon, dropping the opener 10–0 in five innings before falling 15–0 in the second game.
Game 1 – Oklahoma Wesleyan 10, Hesston 0 (5 innings)
Oklahoma Wesleyan wasted no time in the first game, plating four runs in the bottom of the first inning on five hits to seize early control. A pair of RBI singles and a two-run double keyed the rally as the Eagles capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting.
The Eagles added three more runs in the second inning, using a single, aggressive baserunning and a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 7–0. Oklahoma Wesleyan tacked on three additional runs in the third, highlighted by a two-RBI single and continued pressure on the basepaths, to push the margin to 10–0.
Hesston collected four hits in the contest. M. Kulmala led the way with two singles, while C. Mendez and C. Merjil each added a hit. The Larks threatened in the third inning when Kulmala singled and C. McGaha drew a walk, but Oklahoma Wesleyan worked out of the jam to preserve the shutout.
A. Smith took the loss in the circle, allowing four runs in the opening inning. K. Adams threw three innings in relief.
Game 2 – Oklahoma Wesleyan 15, Hesston 0 (5 innings)
In the second game, Oklahoma Wesleyan again jumped ahead early, scoring two runs in the first inning on a pair of doubles.
The decisive frame came in the second, when the Eagles erupted for 10 runs. Oklahoma Wesleyan capitalized on multiple Hesston errors, issued walks and timely extra-base hits to build a commanding 12–0 advantage.
The Eagles added three more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run to extend the lead to 15–0.
Hesston was limited to one hit in the second game, a single by M. Kulmala in the second inning. A. Newlin reached base after being hit by a pitch in the first, but the Larks were unable to generate sustained offense against Oklahoma Wesleyan’s pitching staff.
B. Symons started in the circle for Hesston, with M. Ortiz providing relief.
With the two losses, the Larks will look to regroup as they prepare for their next games on Monday, February 16 at Friends University.
