SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — The No. 26 Harding Bisons won their weekend series against Oklahoma Baptist two games to one, splitting a Saturday doubleheader after winning Friday's game.
Oklahoma Baptist took the first game of the doubleheader 14-6. Harding's Harrison Griffith homered to left field in the fourth and drove in two runs. Nathan Bowie, Logan Lacey, and Cooper Newsom each had two hits for the Bisons. Newsom's two-run double in the third scored Bowie and Lacey.
Harding's Merritt Jay (6-3) took the loss, allowing six runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.
Harding rallied to win the second game 22-14 after overcoming an early eight-run deficit. The game was notable for a total of 20 walks, 10 by each team. Harding's Chance Resetich set a school record by walking five times.
Oklahoma Baptist jumped out to an 8-1 lead in the first inning of the second game, but Harding responded with a nine-run fourth inning to take the lead. Harding's nine-run fourth inning was fueled by a combination of Oklahoma Baptist miscues and timely hitting. With the bases loaded, Nathan Bowie hit a three-run double to clear the bases. A throwing error by the Oklahoma Baptist pitcher allowed a Harding runner to score. Oklahoma Baptist's defense committed a total of two errors in the inning. Harding batters also drew three walks and were hit by two pitches in the inning.
Kade Smith led Harding's offense in the second game, going 3-for-4 with five RBIs and two home runs, including a three-run homer in the fifth. Logan Lacey also homered and drove in four runs with a three-run home run in the seventh. Collin Helms homered in the first inning of the second game. Cooper Newsom homered in the sixth.
Harding's Javier Lobo (1-0) earned the win, allowing four runs, one earned, in 2 1/3 innings. Kyle Lane earned the save, pitching four innings.