Drovers Drop Two in Kansas

SALINA, Kan. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (2-3, 0-0 SAC) suffered a double-header sweep against No. 12 ranked Kansas Wesleyan University and William Penn University. USAO opened the day with a tough 6-3 loss against KWU, followed by a 6-4 loss in the second game against WPU.

• GAME 1 vs #12 KANSAS WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (2-4, 0-0 KCAC)

The Drovers wasted no time to take the lead, bringing across one run in the top of the first inning as Corey Morro drove in Gage Ninness with back-to-back singles. However, the lead was short-lived as the Coyotes scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning.

Kansas Wesleyan added to their lead with one run in the bottom of the third, but USAO managed to cut the deficit to 4-3 with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth on Gunnar Henderson's two-run double. 

KWU stretched their lead to 6-3 with one run in the bottom of the fourth inning, followed by one more in the bottom of the fifth.

The Drovers brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh but were unable to capitalize and was dealt the 6-3 loss. 

Both teams tallied six hits in the contest. USAO was perfect on defense, while KWU committed two fielding errors. The Drovers drew two walks, while issuing three free passes.

The Drover offense was led by Gunnar Hansen went 1-3 with a double and two runs batted in. Corey Morro went 1-3 with a walk and a run batted in, and Jaden Wiley went 1-2. Peyton McDowall knocked a double and finished 1-3, while Christopher Martinez went 1-4 with a run scored. Gage Ninness finished 1-4 with a run scored. 

Tyson Noel got the start on the mound for the Drovers and delivered 3.2 innings of work, allowing five runs on three hits and he struck out five batters. Tristan Perry relieved Noel with two outs in the bottom of the fourth and proceeded to pitch for 1.1 innings, allowing one run on three hits and he struck out a batter. Megumi Fukuda made his first appearance of the season and delivered a scoreless inning, while striking out one batter.

• GAME 2 vs WILLIAM PENN UNIVERSITY (1-1, 0-0 HAAC)

The Drovers captured the first lead of the game with one run in the top of the second inning, followed by one more in the top of the third. However, William Penn answered with a six-run rally in the bottom of the fourth inning.

USAO pushed across one run in the top of the fifth to cut their deficit to 6-3. Once again, the Drovers brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh inning but were only able to score one run.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced eight hits and reached on three walks, while the Statesmen tallied eight hits and drew one walk. USAO was perfect on defense, while WPU fumbled the ball twice on defense.

USAO's offense was led by a pair of two-hit performances from Christopher Martinez and Ben Bach. Martinez finished 2-3 with a run scored and a run batted in, while Bach went 2-4 with a run batted in. 

Corey Morro went 1-2 with a double, two walks, and scored twice. Jaden Wiley and Ian Ortiz each contributed singles. Peyton McDowall drove in a run and singled once. 

Jared Adams got the start on the mound for the Drovers and delivered 3.2 innings of work, allowing six runs on seven hits and he struck out one batter. Ryan Cullinane delivered 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will wrap up the roadtrip on Sunday February 2 as they play a double-header against No. 12 Kansas Wesleyan and McPherson College. First pitch against McPherson is scheduled for 11:00 AM CT, followed by Kansas Wesleyan University at 1:30 PM CT at Dean Evans Stadium in Salina, Kan. 

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