WACO, Texas - ACU first baseman
Elizabeth Schaefer hit her third home run in the last five games, but the Big 12's Baylor Bears took down the Wildcats in Saturday's series finale, 9-4.
Down to her team's final out in the seventh inning, Schaefer got underneath a low pitch which cleared the fence in left centerfield. Her two-run blast drove in
Mckenley Clark, who drew a walk. Before her run of deep shots, Schaefer had gone the first 37 games of the season without hitting a home run.
The Bears put the Wildcats in a big hole early on, scoring eight total runs in the first two innings though only four were earned against ACU starter
Ella Beeman.
Lina Russo surrendered just one run and two hits over the last four innings.
The Wildcats punched through with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth.
Isabel Martinez took off from first, forcing a short rundown.
Roo Stone sprinted from third to home, and was originally called out at the plate. Replay showed Stone's hand touched home before a tag was applied, and the call was overturned to safe.
Two batters later,
Audrey Lacina hit a rocket to third, forcing the fielder to knock the ball down and allowing Lacina to beat the throw across the diamond. Martinez scored on the play.
After its conference bye week, the Wildcats are tied for fifth place in the WAC. ACU returns to league play when nearby rival Tarleton State travels to Abilene. A doubleheader on Friday, April 18 begins at 4 p.m., and a single game will be played at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.
