Garcia’s Go-Ahead Grand Slam Lifts Drovers to Victory at SWOSU

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – Tuesday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (10-17, 5-10 SAC) got back on track with a thrilling 14-11 victory on the road at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (15-16, 7-11 GAC).

Following a scoreless first inning, the Drovers claimed an early lead with six runs in the top of the second inning.

SWOSU cut into their deficit with a five-run rally in the bottom of the third, but USAO responded with four runs of their own in the top of the fourth.

The Drovers maintained a 10-5 lead until the bottom of the seventh, when the Bulldogs pushed across five runs to pull the score even.

With the score knotted at 10-10 in the top of the ninth, Henry Garcia demolished a go-ahead grand slam to put the Drovers back in front.

SWOSU scored once in the bottom of the ninth, but not enough to extend the game any further.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 11 hits and reached on 10 walks, while the Bulldogs tallied 12 hits and drew six walks. USAO committed two fielding errors, while SWOSU fumbled the ball once on defense.  

Layton Bryan got the start on the mound and went one scoreless inning prior to handing the ball to AJ Scifres for a scoreless second inning. Luke Naranjo recorded the first two outs of the third before Chris Ottinger went for 1.1 innings. Jaxon McDonald and Julian Pokorny each delivered scoreless innings of work out of the bullpen.

Tristan Perry pitched the seventh inning before handing the ball to Yohandel Santana for a scoreless eighth inning. Jake Finkelstein pitched the ninth for USAO.

USAO's offense was led by Henry Garcia's productive performance, finishing a double shy of the cycle. Garcia concluded 3-6 with a triple, his 8^th homer of the season, three runs scored, and six runs batted in.

Alfonso Camacho went 2-5 with a pair of runs scored and a pair of runs batted in.

Connor Martin singled, walked twice, drove in a run, and scored three times, while Dawson Robbins singled, scored a run, and drove in a pair of runs.

Derrick Morillo finished 1-2 with a double and a run scored. Corey Morro and Duncan Key each singled, walked twice, scored a run, and drove in a run. Gabe Clyden singled and walked twice in four trips to the plate.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return home this weekend (March 27-28) as they host a three-game series against Nelson University at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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