SHAWNEE, Okla. – Behind a pair of three-run home runs from Ella Friederich and Bailey Robinson, the Harding Lady Bisons exploded for 13 runs in the nightcap to earn a doubleheader split against No. 16 Oklahoma Baptist on Thursday at Regent Bank Park.

After dropping a pitcher's duel 3-1 in the opener, the Lady Bisons (22-15, 17-6 GAC) offense caught fire in game two, racking up 11 hits to secure a 13-4 victory over the nationally-ranked Oklahoma Baptist

Game 1: Oklahoma Baptist 3, Harding 1

In a tightly contested opener, Oklahoma Baptist used a two-run fourth inning to edge the Lady Bisons.

Harding's lone run came in the fifth when Lana Danielson doubled and later scored on a throwing error by the catcher. However, OBU's Greenlee Wel answered with a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to restore the two-run lead.

Brooklyn Gobble took the loss despite a solid performance, allowing three runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in a complete-game effort. The Lady Bisons were limited to just two hits in the contest by OBU starter Jaycee Shaff, who struck out eight.

Game 2: Harding 13, Oklahoma Baptist 4

The Lady Bisons wasted no time in the second game, scoring nine runs in the first two innings alone. In the top of the first, Tori Turner and Bailey Robinson reached on consecutive singles before Ella Friederich cleared the bases with a towering three-run home run to left field. It was third homer of the season.

Harding broke the game open with a six-run second inning. Robinson delivered the big blow with a three-run homer, a blast to right-center that made it 6-2. Lana Danielson followed with an RBI double, and Alexis Boswell added an RBI single. Danielson later scored on a passed ball to give Harding a 9-2 cushion.

The Lady Bisons added four insurance runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on seven walks in the frame. Zoey Neal, Friederich, and Danielson each drew bases-loaded walks to push the lead to 13-2. It was Friederich's first four RBI game of the season. She has also reached base in her last 12 games.

Brooklyn Gobble (14-9) earned the win in relief, tossing 3.2 innings and striking out five. Avery Booker started the contest, allowing one earned run over 3.1 innings of work.

Up Next

The Lady Bisons will look to take the series Friday in the rubber match. First pitch in Shawnee is set for noon.