Drovers Held Scoreless for First Time This Season

WICHITA, Kan. – Tuesday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (29-17, 18-9 SAC) held scoreless for the first time this season, suffering a 4-0 loss on the road at Friends University (27-20, 20-15 KCAC). The Drovers were shutout for the first time since February 23, 2024. USAO now owns a 41-13 against the Falcons all-time, dating to March 2007. 

The Drovers conclude the regular season in third place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings, 4.0 games behind Wayland Baptist University. The top eight teams in the SAC standings advance to the conference tournament. The first round will be a best of three series at the top four seeds respective home fields from April 25-26, and the final four teams remaining advance to the final site at USAO from May 2-4. 

Tuesday's contest opened with three scoreless innings before the Falcons claimed the lead with three runs in the bottom of the fourth. Friends added their final run in the sixth inning and held the Drovers scoreless for the rest of the game. 

As a team, the Drovers produced five hits and reached the bases on three walks, while the Falcons tallied six hits and drew four free passes. Friends was perfect on defense, while USAO committed a pair of fielding errors. 

Rob Schmidt got the start on the mound for the Drovers and pitched a scoreless first inning, prior to handing the ball off the ball to JD Prather for a scoreless second inning. Julian Pokorny tossed a scoreless third inning, before being relieved by Cameron White in the fourth. Bode Brooks entered for the scoreless fifth inning, followed by a one-run inning from Jakob Brandenberger. Tristan Perry delivered a pair of scoreless frame to wrap up the game. 

Gage Ninness, Ian Ortiz, Corey Morro, Nolan Herchock, and Ricky Requejo each singled in the regular season finale.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers begin postseason play on Friday, April 25 as they host the first two games of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament first round against College of the Ozarks. The best of three series will be hosted at Bill Smith Ballpark and first pitch of Friday's twin bill is slated for 4:00 PM CT. Saturday's if necessary game is slated for 1:00 PM CT.

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