27 Feb 2023 Harding celebrates 12-Inning thriller

SEARCY — In the bottom of the 12th inning, Chelsea Blankenship hit a bunt single back up the middle that scored Madison Fraley from second to defeat Oklahoma Baptist 1-0 Sunday in Great American Conference action. With the win, the Lady Bisons won the series 2-1.

It was Harding third longest game in program history. Harding played a 12-inning game against Southeastern Oklahoma in 2017. The longest game in program history was a 14-inning game at home in 2015 against Henderson State.

Oklahoma Baptist falls to 14-4 on the season.

Lily Tanski (5-0) went the distance for Harding (15-3, 2-1 GAC), giving up six hits, walking one and striking out three. She ties Hannah Johnson who pitched all 12 innings against Southeastern Oklahoma in 2017. It was Tanski’s first shutout this season and her 12th of her career.

At the plate, the Lady Bisons were paced by senior Hannah Garrett, who went 2-for-3 on the day with a double. Four other Harding players had a hit in the game.

GAME NOTES
» Oklahoma Baptist went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
» Tanski faced 43 Oklahoma Baptist hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and 25 fly balls while striking out three.
» The Lady Bisons drew four walks from Oklahoma Baptist pitching.
» Harding left eight runners on base and Oklahoma Baptist left seven.
» Oklahoma Baptist was led offensively by senior Sydney Adler, who went 2-for-2 with a double.

Harding will be back in action next weekend when it hosts Southern Arkansas in a three-game series starting Friday with a doubleheader at 4 p.m.