SEARCY, Ark. — A combination of strong pitching from Brooklyn Gobble and opportunistic hitting propelled No. 10 Harding to a 4-0 win over Oklahoma Baptist on Saturday at HU Softball Field.
Gobble (15-4) delivered a complete-game shutout, limiting Oklahoma Baptist to just three hits and one walk while striking out five. It was her 10th complete game and her fifth shutout of the season.
The game remained scoreless through three innings, with both pitchers controlling the pace. Oklahoma Baptist's Kaley Cook threatened early, singling in the first and stealing two bases, but was stranded as Gobble worked out of the jam.
Harding (34-11, 18-9 GAC) broke the deadlock in the fourth. Emaline Pearson singled, and Jadyn Booth walked, setting the stage for Gobble, who delivered a crucial two-RBI single down the right-field line. Bailey Willis followed with an RBI groundout to give Harding a 3-0 lead.
The Lady Bisons added an unearned run in the fifth, aided by an Oklahoma Baptist (27-15, 20-6 GAC) fielding error.
Pearson and Zoey Neal each recorded two hits for Harding.
Oklahoma Baptist struggled to generate consistent offense. Cook had two of the Oklahoma Baptist's three hits, but the team left four runners stranded. Jaycee Shaffer (15-3) took the loss, allowing four runs, three earned, on six hits and three walks while striking out eight in six innings.
The Lady Bisons will be back in action Monday when it hosts No. 17 Rogers State for a non-conference doubleheader.