by Kolton Fishback, Student Reporter
Northwestern traveled to Central Oklahoma this weekend, set to play three MIAA teams during the Edmond First pitch classic.
‘The Rangers kicked off the season Friday afternoon against Missouri Southern state university. Senior Jake Darrow and Redshirt sophomore Justin Gordon led the team with two hits each. Sophomore Scott Creedon got the nod by starting the season on the mound, he had five strikeouts and one walk. He allowed four runs on five hits. Creedon had two shutout innings before allowing two home runs in the top of the fourth inning. The game was tied going into the seventh inning when the lions created a comfortable 7-1 lead. Northwestern answered with a single up the gap from Gordon and a two run RBI by Darrow making the game 7-5. The Rangers comeback fell short as they lose to Missouri Southern in the season opener.
Northwestern looked to bounce back Saturday against UCO, but struggled to gain momentum during the match. The Bronchos had an efficient scoring attack throughout the game. The Rangers fell 16-3 in the second game. The Rangers had six hits on the day one each from Jake Darrow, Parker Base, Billy Rogers, Colton Whitehouse, Yugo Hamakawa, and Brett Erickson. Junior Grant French suffered his first loss on the season. He allowed five earned runs on seven hits and he walked two.
After starting the season 0-2, the Rangers hoped to turn things around against Pittsburg state Sunday morning. The team was brilliant offensively, combining for 13 runs on 20 hits. Northwestern won the game 13-10 in extra innings following a comeback and some well-timed hits. Junior Parker Base led the team with four RBI’S along with two home runs. Senior Colton Whitehouse and Junior Yugo Hamakawa each had four hits on the day. Kaleb Honea was on the mound for the Rangers; he had six strikeouts and allowed only one run.
Northwestern will host the Ranger Roundup this weekend Thursday-Sunday and will match up against Washburn University Thursday, Feb 6 on Glass Family field at Myers stadium.