McPherson, Kan. -- The McPherson College (Kan.) Bulldogs scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to slip by the Mid-America Christian University Evangels 6-5 in the second game to finish off a sweep tonight (Mar. 17) in McPherson, Kan. The Bulldogs won the first game, 1-0.
The Evangels fell behind in the nightcap when the Bulldogs plated three runs in the first, but fought back later with two runs in the fifth before RBI singles by Hanna Harris and Katie Gracey in the sixth put MACU on top.
It was still 4-3 heading to the seventh when a two-out, RBI single from Ali Smith tied the score and sent the game to extra innings.
With the international tiebreaker rule in play, Tiphani Napier singled home Ribbin Anderson in the top of the eighth and the Bulldogs answered that with a run-scoring single from Azaria Romero.
In the ninth inning, the Evangels appeared to have a golden opportunity to break through with runners on second and third and no outs, but Bulldog reliever Christi Betcker got a bunt groundout, foul out and strike out to escape the jam.
The Bulldogs then produced the winning tally on a sacrifice fly by Judith Salazar in the bottom of the inning.
Harris had three hits in her three at-bats in the second game for the Evangels, with Gracey going two-of-five.
Courtney Anderson started for the Evangels and lasted 5 1/3 innings, with two earned runs allowed and two strikeouts. Morgan Wardlow then followed her and threw three innings, giving up only an unearned run and striking out two.
Betker blanked the Evangels (7-15) over her 3 1/3 innings and struck out three.
Salazar, Romero, Jessica Jones and Chelsea Conrad each had two hits for the Bulldogs.
The opening game was a pitcher's duel, as Wardlow and Betker staged a scoreless outing going to the bottom of the sixth, when the Bulldogs (12-12) got on the board on an RBI double by Kortney Jones.
That was the only run Wardlow allowed in six frames, while Betker blanked the Evangels on only two hits and struck out seven.
The Evangels will now turn around and play tomorrow (Mar. 18) at Tabor (Kan.) starting at noon in Hillsboro, Kan.
