#24 OCU Edges USAO in Series Opener
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Oklahoma City | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 0 |
|
Science and Arts | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (24-13, 10-6 SAC) suffered a 3-2 loss in the series opener against No. 24 Oklahoma City University (25-13, 11-5 SAC).
In the all-time series, the Drovers are 15-42 against the Stars. However, USAO has had better luck against OCU since March 9, 2019, going 6-8 in that span.
After Thursday's game began with a scoreless first inning, the Drovers captured an early lead on Ian Ortiz's two-run home run in the bottom of the second inning.
The Stats cut the deficit in half with a solo-homer in the top of the third inning, and the score remained 2-1 until OCU launched another solo-homer to tie the score at 2-2 in the top of the fifth.
Oklahoma City scored the go-ahead run in the top of the seventh inning, and USAO was unable to answer in their final three trips to the plate.
Kyler Denton got the start on the mound for the Drovers and delivered 6.0 strong innings of work, allowing only two runs on six hits and he struck out four batters. Ryan Cullinane struck out four batters in 2.0 innings of relief, followed by Rob Schmidt striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.
At the conclusion of the contest, the Drovers reached the bases on five hits, and they drew two walks. Meanwhile, the Stars tallied eight hits and drew two walks. Both teams played tremendous defense and neither team committed a fielding error.
Gabriel Arroyo paced the Drovers at the plate, going 2-4. Ian Ortiz concluded 1-3 with his fifth home run of the season. Ben Bach finished 1-3 with a run scored, while Gage Ninness went 1-4.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers and Stars will conclude the three-game series with a double-header on Saturday, April 13 at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch of the twin-bill is scheduled for 1:00 PM CT.
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