LIBERTY, Mo. – Newman pitchers Bailey Bugner and Dominique Payne both had solid outings in the pitching circle on Monday (Apr. 1) but had no wins to show for it in a 2-1 opening game loss and 1-0 game two loss to William Jewell. They were outdueled by Cardinal hurlers Anna Biondo, Madelynne Greenstreet and Sarah Lewis who combined to hold the Jets' offense scoreless in 13-innings of work. NU moved to 8-25 on the season, while William Jewell improved to 16-12.
GAME 1
In the first contest of the day, the Jets were unable to take advantage of back-to-back lead off singles to opening the first two innings of the game. After three scoreless innings, Paige Wallace was plunked by a pitch to start the Jets fourth. After back-to-back pop ups hurler Bailey Bugner helped herself out with a clutch 2-out RBI double to center field giving Newman the first lead of game and their lone lead of the afternoon, 1-0.
Two batters into the home half of the fourth, the Cardinals evened the score 1-1 on a 1-out solo-homer to left center.
Over the next two innings the Jets managed two base hits but were unable to get the big hit, leaving the contest tied 1-1 heading into the seventh. In the home half of the seventh the Cardinals scored the game winning run off the only error of the game for either team.
Bugner (2-7) worked 6.1-innings allowing just two runs (1-earned) on seven hits, while recording one punch-out.
GAME 2
The second contest of the day was much like the first with runs hard to come by. Dominque Payne tossed a complete-game effort for the Jets, but it was not enough as the Jets fell in another one-run game.
The game remained scoreless through the first 5-innings as both pitchers were dealing. The Cardinals broke through for the lone run of the game in the sixth.
Lauren Kuhrt recorded three of the Jets four hits of the day going 3-for-3 on the day with a double and three stolen bases. Emma Eck recorded the only other hit for the Jets.
Dominque Payne (3-9) pitched 6-innings allowing just one run (unearned) on four hits, walking one and fanning six Cardinals in the loss.
Newman will return home tomorrow afternoon (Apr. 2) against Emporia State as they conclude a four day stretch.