#19 USAO Cruises to Victory with 17-Run Effort Against Friends University

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 19 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (6-5, 0-0 SAC) picked up a dominant 17-6 victory against Friends University (4-6, 0-0 KCAC). 

After allowing the Falcons to score once in the top of the first inning, the Drovers responded with seven runs in the bottom of the first.

Science & Arts increased the lead to 10-1 with a trio of runs in the second inning. However, Friends added a pair of runs in the top of the third to cut into the deficit. 

The score remained 10-3 until USAO's offense exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, followed by one more in the sixth to take a 17-3 lead into the final inning. 

The Falcons managed to score three runs in the top of the seventh, but it was far too little, too late.

Kaden Alexander improved his record to 1-0, as he delivered 4.0 solid innings on the mound. Alexander allowed three earned runs, while striking out seven batters. Nolan Gagnon delivered 2.0 scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits as he struck out four batters. Jacob Williams and Brian Ereu combined to pitch the seventh inning to wrap up the victory.

As a team, the Drovers compiled 11 hits, coming from eight different players, and they also reached base on eight walks. 

Leading the way for the offense was Christopher Martinez who finished 3-3 with a walk, three runs scored, and two runs batted in. Will Hoch was also perfect at the dish, going 2-2 with two runs scored, and a run batted in.

Gavin Machado produced five runs batted in as he concluded 1-4 with a homerun and two runs scored. Gabriel Arroyo finished 1-3 with a triple, a pair of walks, and three runs scored, while Gage Gaunt went 1-3 with two walks and two runs.

Peyton McDowall added a 1-4 performance, which included a walk and a pair of runs, and Ryan Duncan went 1-4 with a pair of runs batted in. Ben Lawson finished 1-2 with a RBI.

WHAT'S NEXT?

On Sunday, Feb. 19, the Drovers will be back in action at Bill Smith Ballpark as they host a double-header against No. 5 Bellevue University, beginning at 11:00 AM.

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