NAMPA, Idaho - The NNU Nighthawks were on both sides of one-run games at Halle Field this afternoon against Simon Fraser (B.C.).

Game One: NNU 2, SFU 1

The Nighthawks were on the positive side of a 2-1 decision to start the four-game series against Simon Fraser despite being outhit 7-4. Neither team took control of the game early, however the Red Leafs were first in the hit column in the second inning. Hannah Houts recorded the first knock of the game for either team and Ella Booth would follow with two outs. Riley McGee was able to work through the early traffic as she struck out Anika Janzen. NNU was also able to record their first hit as Keana Bell doubled down the right field line but was stranded after a Lola Crosby ground out and Riglee Peterson strikeout.

Both teams traded hits until the bottom of the fifth where the Nighthawks were finally able to crack through. After back-to-back ground outs to start the fifth, it looked like the makings of a quick inning. However, Ava Clark worked a walk, stole second and third to put herself just 60-feet away from taking the lead but with two outs. After Jami Obringer worked a full count walk, she stole second in hopes of drawing a throw and getting the delayed steal from home but SFU's infield cut the throw early, conceding the stolen base. With two runners in scoring position in a scoreless game, Hailey Harris but a ball in play and reached on an error from Booth at second and then on an obstruction call as Harris was rounding first. Booth's error allowed both Clark and Obringer to score to give NNU a late lead.

Simon Fraser would cut the lead in half in the top of the sixth. Makenna Simmons hit a one-out double and was driven in after Hannah Houts hit an infield single but a Riglee Peterson throwing error allowed Simmons to score easily. The Red Leafs managed to get the tying run aboard on a single from booth but were unable to tie it as NNU would take game one, 2-1.

NNU recorded two runs on four hits and committed one error. Riley McGee (W, 6-4) pitched a complete game and only gave up one run with four strikeouts. Keana Bell led the team with two hits while both Bell and Ava Clark had a double. 

Game Two: NNU 5, SFU 6 (8 Innings)

Game two saw a bit more offense as SFU out hit NNU 13-7 and earned a win in extra innings. The Red Leafs took little time to get on the scoreboard as Cassidy Affeldt grounded out but scored Lauren Lugtigheid from third. Ava Clark was able to earn a leadoff walk for the Nighthawks but was thrown out at second trying to steal. Jami Obringer then hit a one-out single but would be stranded at first after a foul out and ground out.

Simon Fraser added another run in the third inning. Rae Bates led off the inning with a single to center field but was thrown out at second as Janzen reached on a fielder's choice. Janzen found herself in scoring position after Lugtigheid hit an infield single. After Affeldt swung through strike three, Grace McMillan singled to left center with scored Janzen to put SFU up 2-0.

The Nighthawks found themselves in a good position to get their first run after a Riglee Peterson single. Annie Swanson then tripled to left center but a great relay throw from Simmons in left field cut down Peterson at the plate. With a runner standing at third with one out, Ava Clark struck out looking and Jami Obringer based on balls to bring up the top Nighthawk hitter of the afternoon. Keana Bell delivered with a single that scored Swanson and put Obringer at second but were unable to add anymore.

NNU then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Mekhia Wagner chopped a ball to short but her speed rushed the throw and it went into the dugout to give Wagner second base. Annie Swanson then tried to bunt Wagner over and popped the bunt back to the pitcher but she couldn't get a hold of the ball and Swanson reached first on the error, advancing Wagner to third. With two on and no outs, Coach Rich Wagner pinch ran Audrey McKibben. McKibben then stole second which put both her and Mekhia Wagner in scoring position. Jami Obringer doubled to left center scoring both Wagner and McKibben, making the score 3-2 in favor of NNU. Hailey Harris hit an RBI single through the left side to add another run.

The Nighthawk lead wouldn't last long as Madeleine Hanson hit an RBI single up the middle to score Booth and Simmons to retake the lead, 5-4. NNU forced the game into extras in the bottom of the seventh. Ava Clark opened the inning with a full count walk and then stole second. Keana Bell stepped up and delivered yet another big hit, driving in Clark from second to tie it up at five. 

Simon Fraser retook the lead in the eighth inning after Lizzy Sugrive doubled to right center which scored Alexandrine Courchesne. Northwest Nazarene managed to get the tying run on base when Lauryn Bergevin was hit by a pitch but was stranded at first.

NNU had three pitchers enter the game. Hailey Harris got the start and pitched 5.0 innings giving up eight hits, three runs, with four strikeouts. Lynsey Chiala (L, 2-2) pitched 2.1 innings and gave up three hits, three runs, and recorded three strikeouts. Victoria Frias pitched 0.2 innings and didn't give up a run.

Jami Obringer and Keana Bell led the Nighthawks with two hits and two RBIs.

NNU falls to 21-12 overall and 2-4 in GNAC player. They will finish the weekend series against SFU tomorrow at Halle Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12 pm. Read Full Article