OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College softball team's offense exploded for 24 runs off of 27 hits on Saturday, defeating Oakland City University 10-2 and 14-0 in the non-conference doubleheader.
Game 1: Oakland City 2 – KWC 10
The Mighty Oaks plated a pair of runs in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run. The two runs would be the only runs they scored all day. Wesleyan responded with one run in the bottom of the frame. With Meredith Daunhauer on third, Jaylin Tidwell grounded out to the shortstop but Daunhauer was able to sneak home.
Courtney Lockwood ripped a singe up in the middle in the bottom of the second, allowing Delaney Mixer to score from second. Two batters later, Jamie Tempel laid down a double in centerfield, bringing home Lockwood and giving the Panthers their first lead of the game.
The Panthers tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the third. With two on and nobody out, Lexie Mullen hit a sacrifice fly, allowing Maddie Dawson to score. Lockwood tallied another RBI single, driving home Tempel and putting Wesleyan ahead 5-2.
Tidwell led off the bottom of the fifth with a single through the left side followed by a double from Mullen. Mixer cleared the bases with a single to centerfield giving Wesleyan a five run lead. Jamie Tempel sealed the victory for the Panthers with a three run home run, her third of the season.
Lockwood finished game one three-for-three at the plate with two runs driven in and two runs scored. Tidwell, Winstead and Tempel each tallied two hits with Tempel leading the way with five runs driven in.
Maci Brown earned her third win of the season, throwing a complete game with six strikeouts while allowing two runs off of six hits.
Game 2: Oakland City 0 – KWC 14
Wesleyan wasted no time in game two, jumping out to an 8-0 after just one inning. Dawson and Mullen both tallied RBI doubles followed by a two-run home run from Lockwood. Three straight singles from Mixer, Abbey Winstead and Andee Powell plated one more run then back-to-back double from Daunhauer and Dawson drove in three more runs.
In the bottom of the second Winstead drew a walk with the bases loaded scoring Mullen. Andee Powell and Daunhauer both grounded into a fielder's choice but were able to drive in one run each. Caitlyn Lawson dropped a single down the left field line to bring home Powell and put the Panthers ahead 12-0 after two innings.
Mullen smashed her third home run of the season in the bottom of the third, a solo shot. The Panthers scored their 14th and final run in the bottom of the fourth with Tidwell knocking a two-out single to centerfield to score Kaitie Woodard.
Mullen finished game two three-for-four at the plate with three runs scored and two driven in. Daunhauer, Mixer and Powell each were two-for-three. Daunhauer led the team with three runs driven in.
Evyn Hendrickson threw a complete game shut out for her fourth win of the season. The freshman struck out nine while holding the Mighty Oaks scoreless with just two hits.
The Panthers head to Frankfort on Tuesday for a doubleheader against Kentucky State before opening up Great Midwest Athletic Conference play against Findlay on Saturday and Hillsdale on Sunday.
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