Hankins Reaches 100 Career Wins as Drovers Sweep Double-Header Against SAGU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Sunday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (30-14, 16-7 SAC) opened the three-game series with double-header sweep against Southwestern Assemblies of God University (25-23, 11-12 SAC). The Drovers opened the series with a hard-fought 4-2 victory, followed by a thrilling 12-4 triumph in game two.

USAO has dominated the all-time series against SAGU, going 26-5 against the Lions since the series began on March 28, 2014. 

USAO head coach Tyle Hankins reached the 100-win milestone in his third season at the helm. Hankins now owns a 101-49 record and has led the Drovers to three straight 30-win seasons, along with two NAIA national tournament appearances so far. 

-GAME 1-

After falling behind early, the Drovers responded with four runs in the final innings to claim the win. 

SAGU took an early lead with one run in the top of the third inning, followed by one more run in the top of the fifth. However, the Drovers empathically responded with a trio of runs in the bottom of the fifth, highlighted by RBIs from Gabriel Arroyo and Peyton McDowall. USAO added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth, prior to slamming the door shut on the Lions in the top of the seventh. 

As a team, USAO reached the bases on seven hits and one walk, while SAGU produced only four hits and two walks. The Lions committed one fielding error, while the Drovers were perfect in the field. 

USAO's offense was led by a pair of two-hit performances from Gage Ninness and Gunnar Hansen. Ninness finished 2-4 a run scored, while Hansen went 2-3 with a double.

Gabriel Arroyo concluded 1-3 with two runs batted in. Ian Ortiz and Devin Alvarez each singled in the win. 

Brian Ereu continued his perfect start to the season and improved his record to 11-0 with 6.0 strong innings of work on Sunday. Ereu allowed only three hits and two runs, while striking out six batters. He is currently one of only two pitchers in the NAIA that are 11-0 this season, along with a 3.70 earned run average and 73 strikeouts in 73.0 innings pitched. 

Rob Schmidt pitched a scoreless seventh inning to claim his third save of the season. 

-GAME 2-

After surrendering four runs in the top of the first inning, the Drovers responded with a dozen unanswered runs to sweep the double-header. 

As a team, USAO reached the bases on 13 hits and a walk, while SAGU tallied only six hits and two walks. The Lions committed four errors on defense, while the Drovers fumbled the ball once on defense. 

The Drover offense was highlighted by four multi-hit performances in the win, led by Gabriel Arroyo's 3-4 performance. Arroyo scored twice and drove in two runs.

Peyton McDowall went 2-4 with a grand slam, while Christopher Martinez concluded 2-4 three runs scored and a run batted in. Devin Alvarez doubled twice as he went 2-3 with a pair of runs scored. 

Gage Ninness blasted a double and finished 1-3 with two runs scored. Ben Bach singled, scored, and drove in a run. Gunnar Hansen singled and drove in one run, while Ian Ortiz singled and drove in a pair of runs. 

Ryan Cullinane showed tremendous resilience as he overcame a rough first inning. After surrendering four runs against the first four batters he faces, he was scoreless for the next 5.0 innings of work. Cullinane struck out eight batters while allowing only five hits and two walks.

Sam Replogle and Alden Norquist each delivered one scoreless inning out of the bullpen. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Lions will conclude the series, as well as the regular season on Monday, April 29 at 1:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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