BETHANY, Okla.—Southern Nazarene was limited to no runs and just five hits in Saturday's double-header against No.17 Harding. SNU took game one into extra innings, but the offense couldn't muster a run, eventually falling 2-0 in eight innings. Harding took a 4-0 win in game two.
Game 1:
Southern Nazarene went toe-to-toe with Harding in game one, but never was able to generate any offense. Olivia Hernandez pitched a gem, holding the Bisons scoreless through seven innings, but Harding finally broke through with four hits leading to two runs in the eighth.
The Crimson Storm were held hitless through three and two-thirds innings, but finally earned a baserunner when Natalie Jones doubled down the left field line. She was stranded at second though, following a groundout.
SNU collected just their second hit of the game in the eighth inning when senior Brooklyn Sullivan ripped a double over the left fielder's head. The Crimson Storm were once again unable to capitalize as a popup ended the game and gave Harding a 2-0 extra innings victory.
Olivia Hernandez pitched a complete game, striking out four Bison hitters in the game.
Game 2:
The Crimson Storm were once again blanked by a great pitching staff in game two. Harding entered the series with the second best team ERA in the GAC at 1.93. They certainly improved on that with another shutout win in game two.
Harding took advantage of a first inning, two out error from SNU to grab the game's first run. They tacked on another run in the third inning when Emma Currey blasted the day's only home run to dead center field.
Harding broke the game open with a pair of runs on three hits in the sixth inning.
The Crimson Storm notched just three singles and a walk in the game.
Katelyn Woodard pitched six innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out four Harding hitters. Maddie Southerland worked a clean seventh inning in relief.
SNU is left with one more regular season game against Harding tomorrow afternoon at Tere Webber Field. With the losses, SNU dropped one spot to eighth place in the GAC standings. Tomorrow will determine their final spot ahead of the GAC Championship tournament in Bentonville next weekend.
