Baylor Softball Delivers Double Dose of Walk-Off Drama in Getterman Classic
WACO, Texas - If Friday was any indication, Baylor softball doesn’t just like the spotlight-they thrive in it. The Bears opened the Getterman Classic with a flair for the dramatic, walking off not once, but twice, to secure a pair of thrilling wins over New Mexico and Wichita State.
The day had everything: clutch hitting, gritty pitching, and a team that refused to fold, even when the odds weren’t in their favor. For a program looking to set the tone early in the season, this was a statement.
Game One: Late-Inning Fireworks Fuel 8-7 Win Over New Mexico
The opener against New Mexico had all the makings of a rollercoaster. Baylor’s offense came out swinging, racking up 14 hits and scoring in four different innings. Averie Waddell launched her first career home run-a two-run shot that sparked the Bears-and Karynton Dawson was unstoppable at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4.
But just when it looked like Baylor had things under control, the Lobos punched back with a four-run rally in the top of the seventh to tie it up. That could’ve been a gut punch. Instead, the Bears responded like a team that’s been there before.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Baylor delivered the final blow-a walk-off blast that sent the crowd into a frenzy and capped a wild 8-7 win.
In the circle, Sadie Ross showed poise under pressure. After starting the game and exiting early, she re-entered to steady the ship and shut the door, finishing with five innings of one-run ball and three strikeouts. Her ability to settle things down after the Lobos’ surge was critical.
Game Two: Bears Rally Late to Walk Off Wichita State, 3-2
If the first game was about offensive firepower, the nightcap was about grit and patience. Down 2-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, Baylor hadn’t led all game. But with the pressure rising, the Bears found a way.
Olivia Buettner sparked the rally with a leadoff double, and once again, Waddell came through-picking up her fourth RBI of the day to cut the deficit in half. Then came the small-ball excellence: Brooklyn Carter’s single, followed by back-to-back walks from Amber Toven and Faith Piper. Both showed veteran-level discipline in high-stakes moments.
That set the stage for Dawson, who put the ball in play on a 2-2 count. The result?
A rushed throw from the pitcher that sailed wide, allowing Carter to score the game-winner. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective-and it showed just how dangerous this team can be when they keep the pressure on.
Lexie Warncke was nails in relief, tossing 4.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts and just two hits allowed. Her outing gave Baylor the breathing room they needed to mount the late push.
Key Takeaways and Standouts
- Back-to-Back Walk-Offs: This marks only the second time in program history-and the first since 2020-that Baylor has won two walk-offs in a single day. That’s the kind of resilience that can define a season.
- Comeback Mentality: Baylor’s win over Wichita State was especially significant given their 2-18 record last year when trailing after six innings. That’s a narrative they’re clearly ready to flip.
- Offensive Leaders: Karynton Dawson is off to a scorching start, now hitting .625 through three games. Averie Waddell had a breakout day with four RBIs, including a career-high three against New Mexico and her first collegiate homer. Amber Toven had a two-homer day, her first in a Baylor uniform and just the second of her career. Faith Piper quietly extended her hitting streak to four games, dating back to last season.
- Pitching Depth: Both Ross and Warncke picked up wins, showcasing the value of returning experience in the circle. The Bears didn’t panic when things got tight-largely because their pitchers kept them in it.
What the Coach Is Saying
Head coach Glenn Moore didn’t sugarcoat it: there were moments when these games could’ve slipped away. But what stood out most to him was the belief and fight his team showed.
“You’ve got to give this team credit-they never threw in the towel,” Moore said. “We were inefficient in a lot of areas and put ourselves in positions where, quite honestly, we could’ve lost the game. To stay with it says a lot about this group believing they can do great things.”
Moore also pointed to the leadership of veterans like Toven and Carter, and the maturity of younger players stepping up in big moments.
“Those kids have looked extremely mature and experienced, even though they aren’t very experienced yet,” he said. “That’s going to pay dividends down the road.”
Looking Ahead
The Bears aren’t done yet. They’ll continue play in the Getterman Classic on Saturday, once again facing Wichita State. If Friday was any preview, expect more fireworks-and don’t count this team out, no matter the score.
For a group still finding its identity early in the season, Baylor showed something that can’t be taught: they know how to win when it matters most.