MACOMB, Ill. – It was a big day for the Bulldogs on Tuesday afternoon as the offense exploded for 14 runs against the Western Illinois Leathernecks in a non-conference midweek matchup from Mary Ellen McKee Stadium.
 
Drake got the jump on the Leathernecks early on in the contest and remained in control for the duration of the six innings played as the run-rule was implemented. The offensive production started in the top of the first from Emma Dighton connecting on a two-run shot giving Drake the lead.
 
Following a scoreless second frame, the Bulldogs plated five runs in the third to expand their lead to 7-0. Drake did its scoring in a multitude of ways, first with an RBI single from Frankie Rita. A pair of extra base hits, a double from Heidi Wheeler and a triple by Natalee Watts, kept the scoring coming by driving in three runs and a sacrifice squeeze play scored the last run of the inning for the Bulldogs.
 
Western Illinois ended its scoreless drought in the fourth off a two-run homer by Sophia Sanchez, but the Bulldogs still had plenty of offense left in them.
 
In the fifth, Watts continued her strong day at the plate poking an RBI single into the gap in right center. It was in the sixth inning, however, when Drake secured the victory.
 
Leading 8-2 at this point, the Bulldogs poured in six runs to enact the run-rule over the Leathernecks. With the bases loaded, the first two runs came across home plate via walks followed by a RBI groundout. The final three runs came courtesy of Watts' third hit of the day on a single to left field and a two-RBI base knock down the right field line by freshman Logan Kelley.
 
In total, Drake racked up 12 hits on the day and was led by Watts with three of the 12. Kelley and Wheeler also recorded multi-hit outings with each player notching two hits, respectively. Dighton's home run marked her team-leading sixth of the season.
 
In the circle, Paige Bedsworth got the starting nod and was credited with the win to give her four on the year. The senior finished with a final line of 3.1 innings pitched with two runs allowed on three hits and one strikeout. Jayme Scheck made a relief appearance and tossed 2.2 scoreless innings with three hits allowed.
 
Up next for the Bulldogs is their home opening weekend this Friday through Sunday. Drake will play host to Indiana State for a Missouri Valley Conference series with first pitch on Friday slated for 5:00 p.m.