Pitching Shines as the Drovers Sweep Double-Header Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (27-14, 13-7 SAC) opened the three-game series with double-header sweep against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (12-20, 3-17 SAC). The Drovers opened the series with a 7-2 victory, followed by a thrilling 1-0 walk-off triumph in game two.

USAO owns a perfect 21-0 record in the all-time series against OPSU, a series that dates to March 23, 2018. 

-GAME 1-

The Drovers jumped out to an early lead and used a strong pitching performance to cruise to victory in the series opener. 

USAO got off to a hot start and rallied for four runs in the bottom of the first inning and maintained the 4-0 lead until the third inning when OPSU scored their first run of the game. The Drovers extended the lead to 7-1 with a trio of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, prior to the Aggies scoring their final run in the top of the sixth.

Brian Ereu improved his perfect record to 10-0 with 5.2 strong innings of work. Ereu struck out seven batters, while allowing only three hits and two runs. Additionally, Ereu now leads the NAIA In wins, along with a 3.76 earned run average and 67 strikeouts in 67.0 innings pitched this season. 

Ereu was relieved by Hagen Earls for 0.2 scoreless innings, followed by Naton Herchock for the final two outs of the game. 

As a team, USAO reached the bases on 10 hits and one walk, while OPSU produced only three hits and five walks. Both teams committed three fielding errors. 

The Drover offense was led by a trio of two-hit performances from Gage Ninness, Peyton McDowall, and Ben Lawson. Ninness finished 2-4 with a run scored in game one. McDowall concluded 2-3 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in, while Lawson went 2-3 with two runs batted in.

Ben Bach doubled and scored as he finished 1-3 at the plate. Gunnar Hansen drove in a pair of runs and went 1-3 with a single. Ian Ortiz and Devin Alvarez each singled in the win.

-GAME 2-

The second game of the series was a tremendous pitcher's duel, but the Drovers were able to come away with a walk-off 1-0 victory on a squeeze play to end the game. 

Ryan Cullinane made his first start on the mound this season for USAO and he was incredible, going 6.0 scoreless innings and allowed only one hit while striking out 12 batters. Rob Schmidt pitched a scoreless seventh inning to claim the win and improved his record to 3-1 this season. Schmidt has been sensation out of the bullpen this season, compiling a 2.00 earned run average in 14 appearances, and he has struck out 15 batters in 18.0 innings of work. 

As a team, USAO reached the bases on four and a walk, while OPSU tallied only one hits and one walk. The Aggies committed one error on defense, while USAO was perfect in the field. 

Peyton McDowall led the Drovers at the plate, going 2-3 with a double. Gabriel Arroyo finished 1-3 with a single, and Ben Bach went 1-3 with a single and drove in the game-winning run. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Aggies will conclude the series on Friday, April 19 at 2:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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