Rangers Blank Delta Twice, Run Season-Long Win Streak to Six

SENATOBIA – Behind complete-game shutouts from freshmen Casey Baddley and Emily Hatcher in the circle, Northwest moved into a tie for second place in the north division standings with a pair of 8-0 and 9-0 run-rule wins over Mississippi Delta on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Rangers swept the season series 4-0 in outscoring Delta 41-2 and have won 14-straight against the Lady Trojans dating back to the 2009 season.

Northwest pushed its season-long winning streak out to six games in improving to 21-7-1 overall and 12-4 in the north division. Mississippi Delta fell to 2-18 overall and 2-14 in league action.

Baddley (12-1) needed just 60 pitches in a one-hit shutout in game one, striking out six Lady Trojans against no walks. April Ray's one-out single in the fourth broke up the no-hit bid.

Northwest plated four runs off four hits and an error in its opening at-bat to take control early, using RBI-hits from Natalie Smock, Vicki Johnson and Baddley.

Lauren Riley's two-run single to left-center in the fourth pushed the lead out to 6-0 before pinch-runner Courtney Clay would cap the run-rule win in the fifth after scooting home on a fielder's choice.

Seven different Rangers picked up a hit in the win, led by Johnson and Anna Barham with two apiece.

Hatcher (7-4) needed just 63 pitches in tossing a three-hit shutout in game two and the Ranger offense plated runs in all four innings to chalk up another run-rule victory.

Northwest took a 3-0 lead after the first off just one hit, scoring Hillari Plummer, Linsey Hebert and Riley.

After a single run in the second and three more in the third, Barham capped the Ranger scoring in the fourth on a two-out, two-run double to left-center that made it 9-0.

Riley paced the Ranger bats in game two with a 2-for-3 performance and four RBIs.

Northwest will look to keep its win streak alive on April 9 against Jackson State (Tenn.), closing out a 10-game homestand with a 2 p.m. first pitch.

Live stats here: www.sidearmstats.com/northwestms/softball/scoreboard.aspx