Drovers Dominate Game One, Prior to Falling in Extras in Game Two Against the Eagles

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday evening, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (22-14, 12-8 SAC) split the series opening double-header against Southwestern Christian University (26-12, 12-8 SAC). USAO cruised to a 12-2 victory in the opener, followed by a 7-5 loss in extra innings in game two. The Drovers now lead the all-time series 33-5, dating to April 2014.

GAME 1

The Drovers used an incredible first inning to cruise to a 12-2 triumph in the series opener. 

After holding the Eagles scoreless in the top of the first inning, the Drovers pushed across 11 runs in the bottom half of the first. USAO then added one more run in the second to claim a 12-0 advantage, but the Drovers would be held scoreless for the remainder of the contest. SCU scored their only two runs in the top of the third inning.

As a team, the Drovers produced 11 hits and reached the bases on six walks, while the Eagles tallied seven hits and drew three free passes. SCU committed one fielding error, while the Drover defense was unblemished. 

Brian Ereu got the start on the mound for the Drovers and improved to 7-1 with another terrific performance on the mound, delivering his second consecutive complete game. Ereu surrendered only two runs on seven hits, and he struck out five batters. In his career, Ereu owns a 19-3 record along with a 3.98 earned run average and he has struck out 161 batters in 158.0 innings of work.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of three-hit performances from Ian Ortiz and Gunnar Hansen. Ortiz concluded 3-4 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in, while Hansen went 3-4 with three runs batted in.

Corey Morro also had a big game at the plate, going 2-3 with a double, a walk, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Ricky Requejo finished 2-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. 

Devin Alvarez went 1-2 with a pair of walks, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. Gage Ninness walked twice and scored twice. Christopher Martinez drove in three runs and scored once. 

GAME 2

The second game got off to a bit of a slow start, but concluded with a wild finish, with SCU ultimately edging USAO 7-5 in eight innings. 

The game began with three scoreless innings, prior to the Drovers claiming a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth as Peyton McDowall launched a two-run home run off the scoreboard.

However, the Eagles caught fire in the final three innings, scoring once in the sixth and once in the seventh tie the score at 2-2 and forced extra innings. The Eagles proceeded to rally for five runs in the top of the eighth inning to take a 7-2 advantage. 

Down, but not out, the Drovers made things interesting in the bottom of the eighth, scoring three runs, but were unable to overcome the deficit prior to the final out being recorded.

As a team, the Drovers produced eight hits and reached the bases on four walks, while the Eagles tallied 10 hits and drew five free passes. Defensively, both teams committed one fielding error. 

Tyson Noel got the start on the mound for the Drovers and dealt four scoreless innings, surrendering four hits and struck out five batters. Ryan Cullinane pitched the next 2.1 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and he struck out two batters. Rob Schmidt was handed the loss, allowing two earned runs on four hits and he struck out one batter.

The Drover offense was led by a trio of two-hit performances from Peyton McDowall, Corey Morro, and Gage Ninness. McDowall concluded 2-4 with his ninth homer of the season, along with two runs scored and two runs batted in. Morro finished 2-3 with a double and a run scored, while Ninness went 2-5 with a run batted in.

Ian Ortiz and Gunnar Hansen each singled in game two. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Eagles will conclude the three-game series on Friday, April 4 at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT in Chickasha.

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