Pioneers Unable to Hold Onto Game 2 Lead Late, Fall Short in Doubleheader at #8 USAO

CHICKASHA, Okla. -- The Wayland Baptist Pioneers battled throughout a tough road doubleheader against #8 Science and Arts on Friday afternoon but ultimately came up short in both contests at Bill Smith Ballpark.
 
Game 1: #8 Science and Arts 10, Wayland Baptist 0 (5 innings)

The Pioneers struggled to generate offense in the opener, managing just four hits in a 10-0 run-rule loss.

Wayland Baptist threatened early, putting runners on base in multiple innings, including a second-inning opportunity when Yaneli Jaramillo and Brianna Cloud reached and Brooke McLaurin was hit by a pitch to load traffic on the bases. However, the Pioneers were unable to capitalize, leaving six runners stranded in the game.

Jaramillo led the way offensively with a perfect 2-for-2 performance, while Reagan Davis-Pena and Berkley Bradley each added a hit.

In the circle, Brooklyn Ray went three innings, allowing six runs (five earned), before Brooke McLaurin and Isabella Penk combined to finish the game.

The Drovers broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning, capitalizing on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to put the contest out of reach.
 
Game 2: #8 Science and Arts 8, Wayland Baptist 6

The Pioneers responded with a much stronger effort in game two, recording 10 hits and building a multi-run lead, but a late surge by Science and Arts proved to be the difference in an 8-6 defeat.

Wayland Baptist struck first in the third inning, plating three runs behind RBI singles from Mikenzi Carlo and Brooke McLaurin. The momentum continued in the fourth when Kynleigh Kirby launched a two-run home run to give the Pioneers a 5-3 advantage.

Kirby finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs, while McLaurin delivered a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate with an RBI. Carlo also added two RBIs, and Kailee Sanchez chipped in two hits.

After holding the lead through five innings, the Pioneers ran into trouble in the sixth. A pair of defensive miscues opened the door for the Drovers, who scored five runs in the frame—only one of which was earned—highlighted by a three-run home run.

Wayland Baptist attempted a late rally in the seventh, pushing across a run on a sacrifice fly by Reagan Davis-Pena, but could not complete the comeback.
 
Up Next

The Pioneers will look to bounce back next weekend when they host their final SAC home series of the regular season against Texas Wesleyan. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Friday, April 10^th, with game one beginning at 2:00 PM.