#7 Bellevue Rallies Late to Defeat USAO in Series Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (5-4, 0-0 SAC) opened the weekend with a tough 4-3 loss in the series opener against No. 7 ranked Bellevue University (4-4, 0-0 NSAA). With the loss, USAO falls to 10-7 against Bellevue all-time, dating back to the 2015 season. 

The Drovers claimed an early lead on Saturday, bringing across one run on Ian Ortiz's single to center field, scoring Ben Bach. 

The score remained 1-0 until the top of the fifth when Bellevue brought in a run to tie the game. However, the Drovers immediately responded with another run of their own in the bottom of the fifth as Gage Ninness drove in Ian Ortiz on a single to left. USAO extended the lead to 3-1 with a run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Bruins would steal the momentum in the eighth. Bellevue scored a trio of runs in the bottom of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run homerun to right-center.

The Drovers threatened to tie or take the lead in the bottom of the ninth as they loaded up the bases, but ultimately were unable to bring in the tying run before the third out was recorded.

The USAO offense produced eight hits, while Bellevue tallied seven hits. Both defenses were sloppy, with the Drovers committing three fielding errors and the Bruins with two errors. 

Kyler Denton got the start on the mound for USAO and delivered 5.0 innings of work, surrendering zero earned runs on four hits and he struck out three batters. Ryan Cullinane relieved Denton for the next 3.0 innings and allowed three earned runs on three hits and he struck out three batters. Alden Norquist pitched a scoreless ninth inning and struck out a batter.

Ian Ortiz led the Drovers at the plate with a 3-4 performance that included a run scored and a run batted in. Gunnar Hansen went 2-3 with a double. Ben Bach, Gage Ninness, and Christopher Martinez each singled.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Bruins will complete the three-game series with a double-header on Sunday, February 18. First-pitch of Sunday's twin-bill is scheduled for 11:00 AM, followed by a 1:30 PM start time for the series finale.

Stay up to date on all Drover Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

Twitter/X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers