Offense Stays Hot as USAO Sweeps Central Christian

MCPHERSON, Kan. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-10, 5-4 SAC) concluded the three-game sweep with a dominant 27-6 victory in the series finale Central Christian College (7-24, 1-11 SAC). On Friday, the Drovers opened the series with a commanding 9-1 triumph, followed by a 10-0 shutout victory in game two. 

In the three-game series, USAO outscored CCC 46-7, and the Drovers are now 18-0 against the Tigers all-time, dating back to March of 2018.

The Drover offense has been incredibly productive over the team's last 10 games, tallying 158 hits and 149 runs. Additionally, they have launched 29 home runs in that same span. Through the team's first 29 games of the season, the Drovers rank first in the Sooner Athletic Conference in nearly every statistical category…

• 1^st – runs per game (10.2)
• 1^st – runs total (296)
• 1^st – total bases (562)
• 1^st – hits (344)
• 1^st – doubles (78)
• 1^st – runs batted in (259)
• 1^st - batting average (.356)
• 1^st – on base percentage (.455)
• 1^st – slugging percentage (.581)
• 1^st – walks (162)
• T1st – triples (10)
• 2^nd – home runs (40)

The success of the offense has not been a one man show, and every player has played a valuable role in the offense's success. Through 29 games, nine different Drovers have driven in at least 20 runs and eight different players have scored 20 runs or more. Nine different players have doubled at least five times, and nine players have blasted multiple home runs. As a team, USAO has drawn 188 free passes (BB & HBP), and they have only struck out 155 times. 

On Saturday, the Drovers scored early and often as they cruised to a lopsided victory in the series finale. 

The Drovers brought across seven runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by a pair of home runs from Gavin Machado and Ben Lawson. 

The Tigers cut their deficit to 7-3 with a trio of runs in the bottom of the first. 

Both teams scored once more in the second inning, prior to the Drover offense exploding for eight runs in the top of the third, highlighted by Devin Alvarez's home run.

Central Christian scored their final two runs in the bottom of the third inning, cutting the deficit to 16-6. USAO added one more insurance run in the top of the fourth inning.

The score remained 17-6 until the top of the seventh when the Drovers brought across 10 runs, including Ben Bach's two-run homer. 

 As a team, the Drovers compiled 21 hits, as well as reaching on four CCC fielding errors, and 15 walks. Meanwhile, the Tigers reached the bases on only six hits, and they drew two walks. CCC also reached on three fielding errors by USAO.

The Drover offense was led by five multi-hit performances, most notably Ben Bach's. Bach concluded 3-6 with a walk, three runs scored, four runs batted in, and his sixth homer of the season. The third baseman currently ranks third in the NAIA with 30 walks, and he has only struck out 12 times. 

Gavin Machado finished 3-6 with one run scored, two runs batted in, and his second home run of the year. Gage Ninness extended his hit-streak to 11 games as he went went 3-4 with a double, two walks, two runs scored, and a run batted in. 

Devin Alvarez closed the game 2-4 with a walk, a homer, two runs scored, and three runs batted in, while Christopher Martinez went 2-5 with a run scored and a run batted in. Martinez extended his hit-streak to 12 games, and during that time he has recorded 25 hits, 19 runs scored, and 23 runs batted in. 

Will Hoch went 1-1 with with a two-RBI double, while Ryan Duncan and Boone Lasater each went 1-1 with two runs scored. 

Ian Ortiz concluded 1-2 with two walks, a double, three runs scored, and a pair of RBIs. Ben Lawson went 1-3 with a walk, two runs scored, three runs batted in, and his fourth long-ball of the year. Nolan Herchock went 1-2 with a double, a run scored, and three RBIs. Matt Weber went 1-2 with a run scored and a run batted in. 

Peyton McDowall concluded the game 1-3 with three intentional walks, three runs scored, and two runs batted in. McDowall has gained a reputation as one of the best hitters in the country and he has begun to experience the Barry Bonds treatment, getting intentionally walked 12 times in the last five games. Additionally, he has gotten on base via hit or a walk in 16 consecutive games. The slugger currently ranks sixth in the NAIA in walks (29) and owns a .500 on base percentage.

Kyler Denton got the start on the mound for USAO and improved his record to 4-1 with 3.0 innings of work. Hagen Earls delivered two scoreless innings and struck out two batters. Ryan Cullinane struck out the side in order in his only inning of work, and Naton Herchock delivered a clean inning as well.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, March 26 for a neutral site showdown against No. 3 ranked LSU-Shreveport. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas. 

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