TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Sophomore
Raylin Morgan's career day at the plate highlighted No. 12 Rogers State softball's (9-2) 2-0 start to the Cherokee Nations Softball Festival on Thursday.
The Hillcats secured a 4-2 victory over No. 24 Oklahoma Baptist (10-1) before run-ruling East Central (2-8) with an impressive 8-0 win. With the wins, RSU extended its winning streak to eight straight games.
GAME ONE: #12 RSU 4, #24 OBU 2
In the first game against Oklahoma Baptist, RSU capitalized on a three-run third inning while their pitching staff was exceptional, allowing only three hits and striking out nine batters.
The game began with the Hillcats taking an early lead in the first inning when
Saylor Brown doubled to right field, driving in
Raelle Gorman, who had reached base on a walk, making it 1-0 after the first inning.
In the third inning, after a triple from Gorman down the right-field line, Morgan notched her first career home run with a two-run shot to center. RSU then extended the lead to 4-0 when
Mariah Belzer scored an error.
Oklahoma Baptist responded in the fourth inning with a two-run homer to reduce the deficit to 4-2. The Hillcats maintained their lead through solid pitching and defense, preventing further scoring.
Harley Culie (3-2) pitched 5.0 innings, allowing three hits and two earned runs while striking out eight batters.
Erica Ross appeared in relief for two innings, not allowing a hit or run, and recorded one strikeout to earn her fourth save of the season.
GAME TWO: RSU 8, ECU 0 (5 Innings)
In the second game against East Central, the Hillcats showcased their offensive prowess, securing an 8-0 victory and sealing the shutout win in just five innings. The game featured two home runs from RSU, contributing significantly to its eight hits.
Rogers State took the early lead in the first inning with two runs.
Baylee King and
Aaliyah Gaboriault both reached base, setting the stage for Morgan's double to center field that brought both runners home.
In the second inning, Gorman, who pinch-ran for
Emma Young, and Ballinger extended the lead to 4-0 after scoring on a fielder's choice that went awry.
In the third inning,
Halle Bucktrot delivered a two-run homer to center field for her first career home run, scoring
Chloe Cardona, who had reached on a single. This increased RSU's lead to 6-0.
The Cats capped their scoring in the fourth inning with two more runs. Gaboriault singled, and Morgan followed with a two-run homer to center field, resulting in an 8-0 lead.
The defense for the Hillcats was equally impressive, holding East Central to just one hit throughout the game. East Central was unable to score, and RSU closed out the contest with a 1-2-3 fifth inning.
Kinsley Hill pitched 4.0 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three batters.
Selena Zuniga entered in relief, delivering a flawless inning with two strikeouts.
Rogers State will return to action tomorrow at the Cherokee Nation Softball Festival against No. 11 Southern Arkansas at 11 a.m. and Southwestern Oklahoma State at 1:30 p.m.
