ALVA, Okla. – Northwestern Oklahoma State played a Tuesday doubleheader against the Tigers of Fort Hays State. The Tigers used a four run first inning to jump out fast in the opening game before going on to win 6-1 over the Rangers. In game two the Rangers used a four run fifth inning to come back and tie the game at six before the weather interfered with lightning eventually forcing the game to be called in a tie.

With the two results Tuesday the Rangers now have a 12-17-1 record on the season with a 6-11 GAC record.

Game One

Hannah Howell took the ball in game one of the double header, throwing five innings allowing three earned runs in the loss. She was relieved by Allie Hufford throwing two innings allowing one unearned run while striking out two.

Northwestern's offense was led in hits by Jayden Solberg going 2-3 in the game with one run scored. Jaci Oakley, Howell, and Jocelyn Long each had one hit on the day with Long driving in the only Ranger run.

Fort Hays opened the scoring early in game one after a one out double by Tiffany came around to score on a ground out by Beggs scoring on a throwing error attempting to throw Tiffany out at third. After back to back singles Curry hit a three run home run to left field to take a 4-0 lead early in the first inning. Rangers could not score following a lead off walk as the game remained 4-0 through the first.

The Tigers struck again in the second inning after a one out double to right center by Blake Tiffany hit her home with an RBI single to right field. Northwestern tried to fight back though with two singles to start the inning before a Long single scored the Rangers first run as Solberg scored. However, a double play and a flyout ended the rally for the Rangers.

In the third inning Howell worked around a leadoff single to hold the game at 5-1. The game stayed 5-1 through the sixth into the seventh inning before the Tigers added an insurance run. In the seventh inning after an error and a single a Breckbill ground out pushed across the game's sixth run.

Rangers were retired in order in the seventh inning as the Tigers closed out the game with one victory over the Rangers.

Game Two

Hannah Scoggin received the start in game two throwing four innings striking out eight Tiger hitters while allowing six unearned runs. Victoria Vasquez took the ball after a weather delay, throwing two scoreless innings earning a no decision.

The offense was led by Allison Zanca with three hits and three RBIs in the tie while Abby DeTar and Jaci Oakley each had two hits and an RBI in the game. DeTar and Zanca led the team with two runs scored each.

Each team tried to start fast with a base runner for both teams but Fort Hays and Northwestern stranded the runner, keeping it a 0-0 game through the first inning.

The Tigers offense was able to strike through in the second inning with a four spot. After a walk and an error with two outs Blake hit a three run home run to take a 3-0 lead over the Rangers. Espinoza and Tiffany had back-to-back hits being a single and double for the fourth run of the inning.

Zanca was able to respond, getting the Rangers on the board with a leadoff home run to left field to cut the Ranger deficit to three. After a scoreless top of the third inning as Scoggin worked around a lead-off single DeTar was able to cut into the deficit once more. For the second straight ining a Ranger led the inning off with a home run this time it was DeTar with the solo blast as the Rangers trailed 4-2.

The Tigers were able to answer back taking advantage of two Ranger miscues. Tiffany was able to drive in a run on an error on the throw for a 5-2 lead and then would take advantage of a double steal scoring on the throw down to second for a 6-2 lead before a weather delay put the game on hold. Following Vasquez entering, throwing a scoreless fifth inning after the break working around a single Northwestern was able to storm back and tie the game at 6-6.

The inning started with DeTar reaching out for an error before stealing third. Oakley knocked her in with a single to right field to cut the deficit to 6-3. With Oakley on third Mackenzie Adams scored the run with a sacrifice fly to right for a 6-4 game. Howell hit a sharp single to right field before Zanca was able to drive her home on a two-run home run to tie the game at 6-6.

Vasquez worked around a one out single to hold the game at 6-6 before Oakley hit a one out double but was unable to score. With lightning in the area and the incoming storm in Alva the game was forced to be called due to weather after six innings played.

This game ending in a draw was the first time the Rangers tied in the Division II era and at least the first tie dating back to before the 2004 season.

Northwestern will travel to Bethany for a three game series starting on Friday.