#19 USAO Claims Victory in Home-Opener Against Friends University

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday evening, the No. 19 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-5, 0-0 SAC) picked up a 3-1 victory in the 2023 home-opener against Friends University (4-4, 0-0 KCAC). 

After holding the Falcons scoreless in the top of the first inning, the Drovers immediately took a 1-0 lead as Gage Gaunt drove in Nick Fleckenstein with a RBI-single. 

USAO remained in the lead until Friends knotted the score at 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning. 

Science & Arts reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on Christopher Martinez's RBI-single to bring across Nick Fleckenstein. The Drovers extended the lead to 3-1 in the seventh inning on Nick Fleckenstein's RBI-single to bring in Ryan Duncan. 

The Drovers bullpen tossed a pair of scoreless innings to close out the victory.

Josh Harrel improved to 3-0 as he delivered a terrific performance on the mound. Harrel pitched 7.0 stellar innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits, and he struck out nine batters.

Boone Lasater and Alden Norquist each tossed a scoreless inning in relief for Harrel. Norquist was credited with the save as he shut down the Falcon's in the ninth inning.

As a team, USAO compiled 10 hits, while Friends produced nine hits, as well as two fielding errors. 

Six different Drovers recorded hits in the win, led by Nick Fleckenstein's 3-4 performance, which included a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in. 

Gabriel Arroyo and Gage Gaunt each concluded with a pair of hits. Arroyo finished 2-4 with a pair of singles, while Gaunt went 2-4 with a run batted in.

Christopher Martinez went 1-4 with a run batted in, and Ryan Duncan concluded 1-3 with a run scored. Antonio Hrynkiw closed 1-4 with a single.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the Drovers will host a double-header against Friends University and No. 5 ranked Bellevue University at Bill Smith Ballpark. USAO will face Friends at 11:00 AM, followed by a top 20 showdown against Bellevue at 5:30 PM. 

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