Barton Uses Big Innings to Defeat Broncbusters in Game 1

Photo by: Adam Shrimplin/Garden City Athletics

GREAT BEND, KS – Garden City Community College could not recover from a pair of big innings by Barton Community College, falling 13-4 in Game 1 of a conference doubleheader Saturday at Cougar Field.

The Broncbusters struck early and showed flashes offensively, but Barton used a four-run third and a six-run fourth inning to seize control and pull away.

Garden City opened the scoring in the first inning when Maysen Kurene-Iwikau doubled and later scored on an RBI double from Maiarangi Waipara to take a 1-0 lead. Barton answered immediately with three runs in the bottom half, capitalizing on walks and wild pitches to jump in front.

The Broncbusters regained momentum in the third. Kurene-Iwikau delivered a solo home run to lead off the inning before Garden City added another run on a fielder's choice RBI from Reagan Sword, briefly closing the gap to 3-3.

Barton responded once again in the bottom of the third, stringing together timely hits to plate four runs and reclaim a 7-3 advantage. Garden City added a run in the fourth on an RBI fielder's choice by Zoey Torres, but the Cougars broke the game open in the bottom half.

Barton erupted for six runs in the fourth inning, taking advantage of walks and clutch hitting to extend the lead to 13-4 and put the game out of reach.

Garden City finished with eight hits, highlighted by a 2-for-2 performance from Kurene-Iwikau, who homered, doubled, and drove in a run. Waipara added a hit and an RBI, while Reagan Sword and Izzy Foster each recorded doubles.

In the circle, Skylah Breeze Joyce took the loss, allowing 10 runs on eight hits over 3.1 innings. Samantha Torres worked in relief as Barton drew 11 walks in the game.

Key moment
Barton's six-run fourth inning created separation, turning a three-run game into a decisive margin.

Key stat
The Cougars drew 11 walks, repeatedly putting pressure on the Broncbusters' pitching staff and fueling their big innings.