Softball | 2/7/2014 8:02:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – The Western Oregon University softball team dropped its first two games at the Desert Stinger Tournament to Cal Baptist, 14-8, and Minot State (N.D.), 5-4, Friday.

The Wolves (0-6) had the lead at multiple times in both games before falling. The nightcap against Minot State went to eight innings. Kelsie Gardner went 5-for-8 at the plate with six RBI. The freshman had a home run and two doubles Friday.

In Game 1, Cal Baptist (6-1) scored a pair of runs to open the scoring in the top of the first inning after two home runs. Western Oregon responded with a run in the bottom of the first inning. Jourdan Williams singled up the middle, which brought in Gardner. In the bottom of the second, Gardner gave WOU its first lead, 3-2. She hit her first double through the middle, scoring Melanie Pfeiffer and Danielle Harcourt.

The Lancers evened the score in the third with a run, before Western Oregon scored three runs in the fourth inning. Harcourt and Pfeiffer both hit RBI, while Gardner's second double brought in the third run of the inning. Trailing 6-3, CBU broke the game open with 11 runs over the fifth and sixth innings. The Lancers hit four home runs during the outburst. Rebecca Orozco and London Miller both hit three-run home runs. Six different Cal Baptist players had home runs in the game.

Kelsie Gardner and Ashlie Gardner both hit RBI singles to complete the scoring for the Wolves in the sixth and seventh innings. Bridjet Box also had a pair of doubles for WOU. Sammi Cadwallader (0-2) was credited with the loss. She allowed six earned runs and struck out two Lancers in 4.1 innings.

California Baptist's Kayla Hatch (3-0) recorded the victory. She allowed five earned runs before Belinda Renne came in and made her first save of the season. Ashley DeVaere finished with four RBI and Savannah Miller was 3-for-3.

After committing five errors in the first game, Western Oregon cleaned up its defense with no errors against Minot State (2-0). The Wolves got out to an early 1-0 lead with an Amanda Evola double to left field that scored Pfeiffer. The Beavers were held scoreless for the first three innings, but a three-run home run by Alyssa Cornejo gave them the lead in fourth.

Kelsie Gardner and the Wolves responded in the top of the fifth with a two-run home run. WOU left one runner on base in the sixth and seventh inning, while Minot State stranded two. The Wolves scored one run in the top of the eight after Box singled and drove in Pfeiffer. But, Western Oregon left two runners on base. The Beavers countered with two runs in the bottom of the eight for the win.

Mindy Lorimor (2-0) picked up the victory on the mound for Minot State. She threw the final three innings, allowing no earned runs and two hits. Katie Backes went 3-of-4 at the plate.

Kelli Demianew (0-1) had the loss. She tossed a complete game, giving up four earned runs on seven hits. Pfeiffer and Evola both were 2-for-4.

The Wolves face New Mexico Highlands (1-2) and Cal State-San Bernardino (3-0) on the second day of the Desert Stinger. Western Oregon and New Mexico Highlands first pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and Western Oregon and CSUSB begin at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available on WOUWolves.com.