Photo by Micah Gilbert
Oklahoma City, Okla. – The McPherson College softball team wrapped up the Red Dirt Classic on Saturday with a split, moving their overall season record to 4-6.
The Bulldogs won their first game on Saturday, defeating NCAA DII Lincoln University from Missouri 2-0. Reagan Kleppe was in the circle for the Bulldogs, in her first action since sustaining an injury in the second game of the season. She threw a gem, shutting out the Blue Tigers on just one hit.
She got just enough help from her offense. The Bulldog hitters came through with two runs on five hits, all of them of the single base variety. Maile Deutsch led the Bulldog offense going two for two with a walk and a run scored. Kylecia Taylor had the big hit for the Bulldogs, a single in the bottom of the first inning that drove in Deutsch and Jenna Christensen.
In the second game, the Bulldogs took on Sooner Athletic Conference power house University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. The Drovers are just a few seasons removed from winning a national championship.
The Bulldogs hung tough with the Drovers through three and a half innings. The game was tied at 5 when the Drovers scored 7 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning to break the game open. 12-5 would turn out being the final margin of victory for the Drovers.
Brandy Trengove got the start in the circle for the Bulldogs. She pitched the first two and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs on five hits with a strikeout and four walks. The other seven Drover runs were spread out between Shelby Bonn and Katy Wilson, who both worked two thirds of an inning.
The Bulldog offense in game two scored five runs on eight hits. Three Bulldogs came through with a multi-hit game. Deutsch continued to see the ball well, going 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. Summer Garcia had perfect day at the dish going 2 for 2 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Rounding out the multi-hit performers was Mackenzie Egan who went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and a stolen base.
Coach Segovia summed up the weekend by saying, "Want a wonderful experience for the team to be able to play at USA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. Lots of history on that field and the players enjoyed the atmosphere. We played hard all weekend and finished the tournament in a positive note. We are going to continue to work and get better every day."
The Bulldogs will be back at home this week, playing a double header against Dakota Wesleyan University on Tuesday, then hosting their annual softball tournament on Friday and Saturday.
