SHAWNEE, Okla. – Harding softball completed its series sweep of Oklahoma Baptist Saturday in Great American Conference action. Harding won 3-1 and 13-7.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Nicole Shano hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning to break the Harding single season home run record. The previous record of 11 was held by Peyton Mills who hit as many in 2016 and Amanda Fields hit 11 in 2019.
Harding improves to 21-8 overall and 10-4 in the GAC. Harding also pushed its win streak to six games.
Oklahoma Baptist falls to 17-13 overall and 6-7 in the GAC.
Game 1
Harding broke through after a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning to beat Oklahoma Baptist 3-1 in game one of the doubleheader.
Junior Lily Tanski (7-4) started in the circle and picked up the win for Harding. The right-hander went 6.1 innings, giving up one run on three hits, allowing one walk and striking out five. Abby Burch came on in the seventh and got her second save of the season.
In the batter's box, Harding was led by junior Nicole Shano, who went 2-for-3 on the day with two doubles, a walk and three RBIs. Senior Hanna Jones also went 1-for-2 with two walks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After a Hanna Jones walk, Shano hit a double to put Harding on top 1-0 in the first inning.
Oklahoma Baptist tied the game in the fourth off a solo home run.
In the top of the sixth inning and runners at second and third, Shano hit another double to give Harding a 3-1 lead.
GAME NOTES
» Harding out-hit Oklahoma Baptist 5-3.
» It was the fourth time this season Shano has had three or more RBIs in a game.
» It was Tanski's 30th career win.
» Harding pitchers faced 26 Oklahoma Baptist hitters in the game, allowing five ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out six.
» Harding drew five walks from Oklahoma Baptist pitching.
» Oklahoma Baptist was led offensively by senior Jocee Sparks, who went 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
Game 2
Harding got contributions from every part of its lineup, as all nine starters reached base safely, as Harding won the second game 13-7.
Sophomore Jessica Bridges (3-1) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Harding. The right-hander went 3.2 innings, giving up one run on two hits, allowing no walks and striking out two. Sophomore Abby Burch also made an impact in the circle for the Harding, throwing one shutout inning while allowing no hits.
In the batter's box, Harding was paced by junior Nicole Shano, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a home run, two walks and three RBIs. Freshman Emma Curry compiled a standout effort as well, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Senior Hanna Jones also chipped in for Harding, putting together two hits in four trips to the plate while adding two doubles, a walk and three RBIs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Harding got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Shano came across to score for Harding.
Harding made it 2-0 in the second when Hanna Jones drove in Madison Fraley.
Oklahoma Baptist took a 7-2 lead in the third scoring seven runs on six hits.
Harding quickly regained the lead in the fourth scoring eight runs on four hits. Emma Curry highlighted the inning with a three-run homer to right field. It was her seventh of the season. Hanna Jones had two RBIs in the inning on two different at bats. Leigha Harris and Nicole Shano also had an RBI in the inning.
Ashton Bryce made it 11-7 in the fifth when she it a solo home run to right center. It was her second home run of the season.
GAME NOTES
» Three different Harding players drove in three runs.
» Every Harding starter reached base safely in the win.
» Four Harding players had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» Harding hitters hit three homers in the ballgame.
» Harding out-hit Oklahoma Baptist 13-9
» Harding went 5-for-16 (.313) with runners in scoring position.
» Harding pitchers faced 33 Oklahoma Baptist hitters in the game, allowing eight ground balls and 10 fly balls while striking out three.
» Harding drew nine walks from Oklahoma Baptist pitching.
» Oklahoma Baptist was led offensively by sophomore Reagan Ford, who went 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI.
Harding will be back in action next weekend when it hosts Southern Nazarene in a three-game series. First pitch in the series is schedule for 4 p.m., at the HU Softball Field.
