USAO Claims the Series Against SCU for the 11th Season in a Row

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (23-14, 13-8 SAC) clinched the series victory with a dominant 13-4 win in the series finale against Southwestern Christian University (26-13, 12-9 SAC). 

On Thursday, USAO cruised to a 12-2 victory in the opener, followed by a 7-5 loss in extra innings in game two. In the series, the Drovers outscored the Eagles 30-11, and USAO now lead the all-time series 34-5, dating to April 2014.

The Drovers and the Eagles entered the series with identical win-loss records in conference play, and with the series victory USAO moves into sole possession of third place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with two more series remaining until the postseason. 

The Drovers captured an early lead in the bottom of the first inning and never took their foot off their gas in the series finale. USAO brought across four runs in each of the first two innings to claim an early 8-0 advantage. The Drovers added three more runs in the third inning to stretch the lead to 11-0.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Eagles trimmed the deficit as they scored all four of their runs. Neither team scored in the sixth and seventh innings, prior to USAO adding their final two insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth. The Eagles were unable to overcome the large deficit in the ninth as Naton Herchock slammed the door shut. 

As a team, the Drovers produced 17 hits and reached the bases on four walks, while the Eagles tallied nine hits and drew five free passes. Defensively, USAO committed one fielding error, meanwhile SCU fumbled the ball five times on defense.  

Kyler Denton got the start on the mound for the Drovers and pitched 4.1 innings to improve his record to 3-2 this season. Denton surrendered four runs on seven hits and struck out one batter. Rob Schmidt delivered 0.2 innings of relief, prior to Naton Herchock dealing 4.0 scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season. Herchock allowed only one hit and struck out three batters.

The Drover offense was led by five multi-hit performances. Christopher Martinez concluded 3-4 with with a walk, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Gage Ninness also tallied three hits, going 3-6 with a double and a run scored. 

Gunnar Hansen drove in three runs as he went 2-4 at the dish, along with a walk. Corey Morro went 2-4 with a pair of runs batted in, while Devin Alvarez went 2-5 with a walk, two runs scored, and a run batted in.

Nolan Herchock went 1-2 with a triple, a run scored, and a run batted in. Ian Ortiz delivered tremendous defense in the outfield and went 1-5 at the plate with three runs scored. Ricky Requejo finished 1-4 with a walk, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Peyton McDowall singled and drove in a run. Jaden Wiley closed 1-3 at the plate. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, April 8 as they host a midweek matchup against Southwestern Oklahoma State University. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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