Historic 18-Run, 2-Out Rally Clinches the Series For USAO Against OCU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (17-20, 12-12 SAC) clinched the series victory with a historic 27-7 triumph against Oklahoma City University (17-24, 12-12 SAC). On Thursday, the Drovers opened the series with a 9-5 win, followed by a tough 1-0 loss in game two.

In head-to-head matchups since 2007, the Stars hold a 20-45 advantage in the series, but the teams are 11-11 in their last 22 meetings.

The Drovers are heating up at the right time of the year, having won 8 of their last 11 games, and they have outscored opponents 136-63 in that span.

The Stars claimed an early lead with one run in the top of the first inning but could've been much worse if it was not for Henry Garcia's amazing diving catch to strand the bases loaded to end the frame.

In the bottom of the third, USAO's first two batters were sat down prior to an 18-run, two-out rally. In what could possibly be the biggest two-out rally in the history of baseball, the Drovers sent 23 batters to the plate, registering 12 hits, and all nine batters scored at least once in the 40-minute-long half-inning.

OCU responded with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning, before USAO answered with four runs to extend the lead to 22-3. The Drovers added four more runs in the bottom of the fifth, three of which scored on Alfonso Camacho's home run.

The Stars plated two runs in the top of the sixth, prior to the Drovers scoring their final run in the bottom of the sixth. OCU scored their final two runs in the top of the seventh, before the game was ended early due to the run-rule.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 20 hits and reached on eight walks, while the Stars tallied 13 hits and drew two walks. OCU committed one fielding error, while USAO was unblemished on defense.

Kason Johnson got the start on the mound and improved his record to 4-1 as he went 5.0 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and he struck out six batters. Tristan Perry and Naton Herchock each pitched an inning in relief.

USAO's offense was led by Alfonso Camacho's incredible performance, going 4-5 with a double, a home run, four runs scored, and eight runs batted in.

Henry Garcia drove in five runs as he went 2-6 with a double and his 11^th home run of the season. Duncan Key concluded 3-4 with a double, a walk, and two runs batted in. Brandon Latter went 2-3 with a walk, three runs scored, and three runs batted in, while Anthony Hampton went 2-3 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Connor Martin finished 2-5 with two runs scored and two runs batted in.

Gabe Clyden doubled, scored twice, and drove in two runs. Solomon Harwood went 1-3 with two walks and three runs scored, while Luke Fox went 1-1 with a double and a pair of runs scored. Corey Morro singled, walked three times, and scored four runs. Angel Tiscareno singled and scored in his only trip to the plate.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, April 14 as they host Randall University at 3:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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