Softball Recap: Tipton Comes Up Short

Tipton extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping their season record down to 4-11 in the process. They lost 13-0 to the Northwestern Tigers. The Blue Devils were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Tigers apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2024.

As for Northwestern, they are on a roll lately: they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-10 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 9.8 runs over those games.

For Northwestern's part, Stevie-Rae Hedges made a big impact while hitting and pitching. She kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 11 over five innings pitched. Hedges has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs.

In other batting news, Tessa Ortman was incredible, going 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Alexis Turffs, who went 3-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI.

Looking ahead, Tipton will challenge Winamac at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The Warriors' pitching crew has only allowed 3.8 runs per game this season, so the Blue Devils' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Northwestern, they will host Kokomo at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.