Softball Falls to Baker Following Early Deficit

SHAWNEE, Kan. — Doane softball ran into an early four-run inning and couldn't fully climb back, dropping a 5-1 decision to Baker (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon.

The Wildcats scored four times in the bottom of the second, using a Doane defensive miscue and a three-run double to build separation. Baker added an insurance run in the fifth to extend the margin to 5-0.

Doane (6-7) threatened throughout the afternoon but was held to four hits and left seven runners on base. The Tigers' best early chance came in the second when Katelyn Hays singled and Hannah Pack followed with a double to left field, putting runners at second and third with two outs, but Baker worked out of the jam.

The Tigers finally broke through in the seventh. Kayla Meyer delivered a pinch-hit single to center to start the frame, and pinch runner Lexi Adams swiped second before moving to third on a groundout. Pack then put the ball in play, reaching on a fielder's choice to plate Adams and cut the deficit to 5-1.

Pack finished 1-for-2 with a double and Doane's lone RBI. Hays went 1-for-2 with a walk, while Milannie Gonzalez added a single.

In the circle, Bri True started and worked 1.2 innings before Faith McDonald steadied things in relief, allowing one run over 4.1 innings to keep the Tigers within reach.

Baker's Jordyn Beck went the distance, striking out three while allowing one run on four hits.

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