Denton played perhaps one of its better games of the season Saturday, especially in the final four innings.

Despite losing to Wichita Falls 8-2, Denton displayed some promising signs of improvement as the top of the lineup hit well and pitcher Khaylia Harris pitched four innings and allowed only one run.

“We struggled a little bit in the first three innings,” Denton head coach Rhana Ramos said. “We changed some things up in the fourth inning and stayed in the game.”

Denton’s Nos. 1-3 batters combined to get six hits. Third baseman Sara Quintanar, who hit in the No. 2 spot, went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, while leadoff hitter Rebecca Chadwell went 1-for-3 with a run scored. Amy Menge had both RBIs for Denton.

“The top of the lineup played well,” Ramos said. “Now we need to start focusing on executing in the bottom of the lineup.”

Wichita Falls jumped out to a 7-1 advantage after three innings as the Lady Coyotes chased starting pitcher Shelby Bergeron from the game. Harris came on in relief for Denton and allowed just three hits.

“Our defense stepped it up and I thought we played well in the last few innings,” Ramos said. “I think the game was a lot closer than the score appeared.”

The Lady Broncos had a prime opportunity to cut into a six-run deficit in the bottom of the fourth inning. Senior Ashley Harlow led off the inning with a single, followed by singles from Chadwell and Quintanar to load the bases with no outs. Menge came to the plate and drilled a line drive off the glove of the Wichita Falls first baseman to score Harlow on a fielder’s choice. Rachel Smithers walked to load the bases again but Wichita Falls pitcher Melanie Smith struck out the next two hitters to end the inning,

“We need to continue to learn how to execute when we got people on bases,” Ramos said. “We are leaving too many girls on base.”

Denton left five runners on base in the final four innings, including one in the seventh. Quintanar hit a one-out double to left field, but Denton’s next two batters grounded out to end the game.

Smith pitched all seven innings for Wichita Falls, allowing two earned runs while recording 10 strikeouts.

Denton will play Friday on the road against Denison.

BRAD McDONNELL can be reached at 940-566-6869. His e-mail address is bmcdonnell@dentonrc.com.

Wichita Falls 8, Denton 2

Wichita Falls                        214                        001                        0                        --                        8                        6                        0

Denton                        001                        010                        0                        --                        2                        7                        6

WP – Melanie Smith. LP -- Shelby Bergeron. 2B – D: Sara Quintanar 2. 3B – WF: B.J. Van Winkle. Record: Wichita Falls (6-11, 1-4). Denton (0-16, 0-6).