Bethel softball drops conference home opener to Oklahoma Wesleyan
The Threshers lost the first game 7-10, the second 1-9; they move to 2-6 in conference play.
The Bethel softball team dropped both games of it’s conference home opener against Oklahoma Wesleyan on Saturday. In the first game of the doubleheader they fell 10-7 and in the second game they fell 9-1 in just six innings. Bethel was coming off a split series against Sterling earlier in the week
Both teams looked to make a statement early on in the game. The Eagles were the first to score as they homered in the top of the first inning. Bethel was quick to respond in the bottom of the first. The Threshers tacked on two runs, taking the lead.
A Bethel error in the top of the second led to Oklahoma tying the game at two. The Threshers would get out of the jam as they left the bases loaded. Bethel responded again, this time having four hits and scoring three runs in the bottom of the second.
“We came out firing from the start of game 1 and scored early, which is a big goal,” said Claire Broxterman from Lindsborg. “Even though the scores don't necessarily reflect wins, this past weekend's games were some exciting games for us.”
Starting the top of the third inning, freshman Maddie Debs retired the first two batters she faced. Slowing down the flow of the Eagles, Debs gave up only one hit in the inning. She would come back striking out the next batter.
Bethel was also shut out in the bottom of the third inning, holding on to the lead. The Eagles bats came alive, scoring from the fourth to the seventh inning. Oklahoma Wesleyan’s defense pushed them through, only giving up two runs in the seventh, giving the Eagles the 10-7 game one win.
“I know this team will take that loss as a growing opportunity,” said Broxterman. “ We will work hard this next week on the aspects where we struggled and turn around and face Kansas Wesleyan with all cylinders firing full force.”
The Eagles proceeded to pick up right where they left off for the start of game two. Oklahoma Wesleyan managed to get four hits and score three runs. In the top of the second inning, the Eagles tacked on two more runs on the board.
Bethel’s offense struggled to get going early on. They combined for two hits in the first three innings of play. The Threshers defense kept the Eagles from scoring in the next three innings.
Bethel, in the process, did score in the bottom of the fifth, as graduate student Marissa Harrison connected for a solo shot to left field. Oklahoma Wesleyan came back and answered with four runs in the top of the sixth inning. The Eagles would run-rule the Threshers after the sixth inning, picking up the sweep.
Next up for the team will be another home conference game on Thursday against Kansas Wesleyan. The first pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Allen Wedel Field.