USAO Claims Series Victory Against SCU for the 10th Season in a Row

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (21-11, 7-5 SAC) wrapped up the series victory with a double-header split against Southwestern Christian University (22-12, 6-6 SAC). Following Friday's 7-6 win in the series opener, the Eagles bounced back to earn a 5-4 win in game two and pulled the series even. The series finale was an epic pitcher's duel, but the Drovers managed to outlast the Eagles and claim the series with a 1-0 triumph. 

The Drovers have dominated the all-time series against the Eagles and have never lost a season series in the history of the rivalry, going 32-4 against SCU since April of 2014. Additionally, USAO is 28-3 against SCU since 2015. 

-GAME 2-

After the second game of the series opened with a scoreless first inning, SCU was able to take an early lead with a pair of runs in the top of the second inning. The Drovers cut the deficit in half with Gunnar Hansen's RBI-double in the bottom half of the second.

SCU added two more runs in the top of the third and held a 4-1 lead until the bottom of the fourth.

The Drovers trimmed the deficit to 4-2 on Devin Alvarez's RBI-single in the bottom of the fourth. Ben Lawson then tied the score at 4-4 with a clutch two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Eagles scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice-fly in the top of the seventh inning, and the Drovers were unable to answer with a run of their own in the bottom of the seventh and suffered the loss.

Both teams recorded seven hits, and the Drovers reached on three walks, while the Eagles drew two walks. SCU also committed one fielding error, and the Drovers did not commit an error on defense. 

The Drover offense was led by a two-hit performance from Christopher Martinez, going 2-3 with a pair of doubles, a walk, and a run scored. Ben Lawson finished 1-2 with a walk, a home run, and a pair of runs batted in.

Gunnar Hansen concluded 1-3 with a double and a run batted in. Gabriel Arroyo, Ian Ortiz, and Devin Alvarez each delivered singles in the first game of the day.

Jared Adams got the start on the mound for USAO and pitched the opening 2.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Sam Replogle relieved Adams for the next 3.2 innings, surrendering one run on one hit and he struck out two batters. Tristan Perry and Rob Schmidt each recorded one out without allowing a run to cross. 

-GAME 3- 

The series finale featured stellar pitching and defense and the only run of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning, when Gage Ninness drove in Ian Ortiz with a single up the middle.

Kyler Denton got the start for the Drovers on the mound and was stellar, pitching 4.1 scoreless innings of work. Denton struck out five batters while allowing five hits and only one walk. Denton was relieved by Rob Schmidt in the fifth inning and Schmidt earned the win by delivering 2.2 scoreless innings. Schmidt did not allow any hits or runs as he improved his record to 2-1 this season. 

Although the Drovers won the game, they were out-hit by a margin of 5-3. USAO drew one walk, while SCU was walked twice. The Eagles committed one error, and the Drovers committed none. 

Gage Ninness led the Drovers at the plate, going 2-3 with a double and a run batted in. Gabriel Arroyo went 1-3 with a single. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will be back in action at Bill Smith Ballpark on Tuesday, April 2 as they host a non-conference matchup against SWOSU. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT.

In addition to the action on the field, the fans can participate in "Dusty's Diamond Dash", an event that is being put on by a USAO Sports Management class. 

There will be prizes (candy, Drover gear, gift cards) for participants and the search for eggs will start at the beginning of the game and will go on the entire duration of the game or until all eggs have been found. Anyone can participate, but the idea is that younger children take the lead; however, anyone can join in on the fun. The game will have free admission for students, staff, and kids 16 years old and younger.

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