Drovers Drop Series-Opener at SCU

BETHANY, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (22-14, 8-5 SAC) had their five-game win-streak snapped with a 9-5 loss in the series opener at Southwestern Christian University (24-12, 6-7 SAC).

With the loss, the Drovers are now 27-3 all-time against the Eagles. 

Southwestern Christian claimed an early lead with a solo-homer in the bottom of the first inning, but USAO quickly responded with a solo-homer of their own in the top of the second, courtesy of Gage Gaunt.

The Eagles rallied for four runs in the bottom of the third inning, followed by one more in the fourth to take a 6-1 lead into the fifth.

The Drovers managed to score twice in the top of the fifth to cut the deficit to 6-3. 

SCU added three insurance runs in the seventh inning to push their lead to 9-3.

Science & Arts rallied for a pair of runs in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late.

At the conclusion of the contest, the Eagles produced 11 hits, while the Drovers recorded 10. The major key to victory for SCU, was USAO's inability to drive in baserunners, leaving 11 runners stranded on the bases. 

Josh Harrel got the start on the mound for USAO and surrendered five earned runs in 2.2 innings. Boone Lasater relieved Harrel for the next 2.1 innings and allowed only one run.

Nolan Gagnon worked 1.1 innings out of the bullpen, followed by 0.2 innings from Claudio Rodriguez and 1.0 inning from Cameron Johnson.

Offensively, USAO was led by Gage Gaunt's three-hit performance. Gaunt concluded 3-4 with a homerun, a double, and two runs scored.

Peyton McDowall finished 2-5 with a pair of runs batted in, while Gunnar Hansen went 2-4 with a walk and a run scored. 

Gavin Machado drove in a pair of runs as he finished 1-2 with a double. Nick Fleckenstein went 1-4 with a run scored, while Anthony Hrynkiw and Ben Lawson each singled.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will wrap up the three-game series with a double-header on Saturday, April 8 at Southwestern Christian University. First pitch for Friday's game is scheduled for 12:00 PM in Bethany, Okla. 

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