CLAREMORE, Okla. — Rogers State softball (27-13, 11-7 MIAA) collected a sweep over Fort Hays State (18-25, 4-14 MIAA) on Indigenous Peoples' Day at RCB Bank Sports Complex. The Hillcats won 5–2 in the first game and 5–3 in the second on Saturday afternoon.
GAME 1: RSU 5, FHSU 2
The Tigers struck first with a pair of runs in the first inning. However, the Hillcats responded in the bottom half with four runs to take the lead.
Mariah Belzer doubled down the left field line, followed by a walk to
Rylee Bush.
Saylor Brown (2) then delivered a three-run homer to left field, scoring Belzer and Bush.
Raylin Morgan (6) added to the lead with a solo home run to left to give the Cats' a two-run lead.
In the fifth inning, RSU extended its lead with
Jaden Jordan (9) hitting a solo home run to left field, bringing the score to 5–2. They maintained their advantage through the remaining innings, aided by effective pitching and defense, to secure the three-run victory.
Harley Culie (14-7) delivered a complete-game performance in her 21
st start of the season, pitching 7.0 innings and allowing two runs, only one of which was earned. Culie struck out six batters while issuing only two walks. Over the course of 135 pitches, Culie threw 84 strikes.
At the plate, Brown, Morgan and Jordan led the way with their home runs. Belzer added an extra-base hit and run as well.
GAME 2: RSU 5, FHSU 3
Fort Hays State began the game strong, scoring two unearned runs in the first inning, with Hannah Green scoring on a passed ball and Peyton Shepard on a sacrifice fly. RSU responded with a run as Belzer scored on an RBI single by Jordan, bringing the score to 2-1.
The game remained scoreless through the second, third and fourth innings, with both teams unable to capitalize on base runners.
In the fifth inning, the Hillcats took control.
Baylee King singled, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, and scored along with
Taelynn Ballinger and Brown on a bases-clearing double by Morgan to give the Cats the lead.
Raelle Gorman followed with an RBI single, bringing Morgan home and extending RSU's lead to 5-2
The Tigers added a run in the sixth inning from a wild pitch, but it wasn't enough, as the Hillcats held on for the two-run victory.
Kinsley Hill (10-3) pitched 6.1 innings, allowing six hits and one earned run, while striking out five batters. Hill threw a total of 89 pitches, 54 of which were strikes, and gave up only three walks in the winning effort.
Erica Ross came in as a relief pitcher, throwing 2/3 innings.
Morgan led the team with a pivotal performance, driving in three runs and hitting a double.
Halle Bucktrot contributed offensively with two hits, while Jordan added one hit and an RBI.
UP NEXT
Rogers State softball will return to action Monday morning, taking on the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers at the RCB Bank Sports Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The original game was set for last Friday but was postponed due to rain.
