Two-out big inning sends Cougars to Classic ending loss #GoBarton

The Cougars wrapped up the Pioneer Classic on Saturday licking its wounds in taking a 10-1 loss to Neosho County Community College.

For the second day in a row the Barton and the Panthers of Neosho County had trouble producing runs early until a decisive fifth inning doomed the Cougars.

Scattering just a hit and a walk through four innings, Kayla Beers ran into trouble in the fifth.  Losing a full-count pitch allowing a one-out walk, consecutive singles loaded the bases.  Beers induced a harmless infield pop-up for the second out and had the next batter on the ropes but couldn't get the full-count punch out before allowing a two-run double.  Striking out the next batter on a passed ball, the Panthers reached safely allowing another run to score before consecutive doubles drove in four more runs in the six run Neosho County frame.

A pair of singles and a groundout tacked on another in the sixth off reliever Elizabeth Horsch before adding three more to the Panther total on three hits and a pair of walks.

Getting outhit 11-5, Barton left seven runners on base in producing its solo run in the home half of the sixth on a sac fly after Ireland Cotton's one-out double and Sydni Williams' single.

Finishing the weekend 2-2 in Forsyth, Missouri, Barton will look for more favorable results in its home opener on Wednesday in a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader versus Central Christian College.