Drovers Salvage Split and Eliminate WBU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 3 seed University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (33-15, 17-7 SAC) split a double-header on day two of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament and suffered a 5-2 loss against No. 1 seed MACU in the first winner's bracket game, prior to defeating No. 5 Wayland Baptist 6-2 in an elimination game.

-GAME 1 vs MACU (38-10, 20-4 SAC)-

The Drovers captured an early lead, but the Evangels were able to use a big rally in the fifth inning to gain the separation needed to claim the win. 

USAO struck for one run in the top of the first inning, but the Evangels immediately responded with a solo-home run in the bottom of the first to tie the score at 1-1. The Drovers once again claimed the lead with one run in the top of the third inning. USAO remained in the lead until the MACU struck for four runs in the bottom of the fifth.

As a team, USAO reached the bases on seven hits and one walk, while MACU tallied nine hits and one walk. The Evangels committed three errors on defense, while USAO did not commit any errors. 

USAO's offense was led by a two-hit performance from Peyton McDowall. McDowall went 2-4 with a double and a run batted in. Christopher Martinez doubled and drove in one run as he finished 1-4. Gabriel Arroyo, Ben Bach, Ian Ortiz, and Devin Alvarez each singled in the loss.

Ryan Cullinane got the start on the mound for USAO and delivered 7.0 innings of work. Cullinane surrendered five runs on nine hits, and he struck out seven batters.

Alden Norquist delivered a scoreless inning of relief out of the bullpen. 

-GAME 2 vs WBU (23-28, 11-13 SAC)-

The Drovers used a hot start to lead from start to finish and claimed a 6-2 win to survive and advance.

USAO has dominated the all-time series against WBU, going 46-14 against the Pioneers since the series began on March 31, 2007. Furthermore, the Drovers have won 28 of the last 29 meetings against the Pioneers.

USAO brought across three runs in the top of the first inning, but Wayland Baptist immediately trimmed their deficit with a run in the bottom of the first. 

The Drovers extended the lead to 5-1 with one run in the third inning, followed by one more in the fourth. 

The Pioneers scored their final run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Drovers quickly responded with one run in the top of the eight to stretch the lead once again to four.

As a team, USAO reached the bases on 14 hits and two walks, while WBU tallied eight hits and drew six walks. The Pioneers committed three errors on defense, while the Drovers did not commit an error.

The Drovers were led by four multi-hit performances, including Gage Ninness's 4-5 clip at the plate. Ninness also doubled, scored a run, and drove in a run. Christopher Martinez concluded 3-5 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in. 

Ben Bach and Gavin Machado each went 2-4 at the plate. 

Ryan Duncan went 1-2 with a run scored, and Ian Ortiz finished 1-5 with two runs batted in. Ben Lawson singled and scored in the win.

Kyler Denton improved his record to 8-1 as he delivered 7.0 strong innings of work on the mound. Denton surrendered only two runs on seven hits, and he struck out two batters. Along with his impressive win-loss record, Denton owns a 3.59 earned run average and he has struck out 40 batters in 62.2 innings pitched. 

Tristan Perry struck out three batters as he tossed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. Rob Schmidt dealt a scoreless ninth inning and struck out two batters. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to the diamond on Saturday, May 4 as they face No. 1 Mid-America Christian University. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark in Chickasha, Okla. 

For more information about the SAC Tournament, CLICK HERE!

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