#3 USAO Run-Rules WBU Twice to Complete Four-Game Sweep in Texas

PLAINVIEW, Texas. – Friday afternoon, the No. 3 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (11-3, 4-0 SAC) completed the four-game sweep on the road at Wayland Baptist University (8-12, 2-6 SAC). For the second day in a row, the Drovers sept the twin bill against the Pioneers, winning 13-2 in the third game of the series, followed by a 10-1 triumph in the finale. On Thursday, Drovers opened the series with a 3-0 victory, followed by a 4-2 triumph in game two. With the wins, the Drovers improve to 8-0 against the Pioneers all-time. 

USAO has had arguably the most difficult schedule in the NAIA so far this season, with seven of their first twelve games coming against opponents ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches' Top 25 Poll. Currently, the Drovers own a 4-3 record against ranked opponents, including wins against No. 4 Northwestern, No. 7 Cumberlands, No. 12 Hope International, and No. 17 Missouri Baptist.

USAO's three loses have been at the hands of No. 1 Southern Oregon, No. 2 Oregon Tech, and No. 4 Northwestern. 

GAME 1

The Drovers scored early and often as they earned the 13-2 run-rule victory to begin the day. 

Both teams brought across a pair of runs in the first inning, but it was all USAO from that point forward, scoring 11 unanswered runs over the final four innings. The Drovers scored three runs in the top of the third inning, followed by four runs in each of the final two innings of the shortened contest.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 15 hits and reached two walks, while the Pioneers tallied only one hit and drew zero walks. USAO committed one fielding error, while WBU fumbled the ball three times on defense. 

Sophie Williams got the start in the circle for USAO and improved her record to 6-2 so far this season. Williams pitched the opening 4.1 innings, allowing just one hit and two runs, while striking out five batters. Gabby Toquothty recorded the final two outs for the Drovers in the circle, striking out one batter.

Offensively, USAO was led by five multi-hit performances, highlighted by incredible displays of power from Leighanne Eaton and Sierra Selfridge. Eaton concluded 3-3 with two home runs, a walk, two runs scored, and five runs batted in, while Selfridge went 3-4 with a homer, two doubles, four runs scored, and two runs batted in. 

Kinzie Williams contributed a 3-4 performance that included two runs scored and four runs batted in. Shaylann Grace went 2-4 with a double, while Taygan Graham went 2-3 with a run scored. 

Malea McMurtrey finished 1-3 with a walk and three runs scored. Sophie Williams helped her own cause by going 1-3 with two runs batted in.

GAME 2 

After the series finale began with a scoreless first inning, USAO took full control with a six-run rally in the top of the second. WBU scored their only run in the bottom of the third inning, prior to the Drovers scoring two runs in each of the final two innings to put the game out of reach.

As a team, the Drovers offense generated 15 hits and drew a pair of walks, while the Pioneers tallied four hits and drew two walks. USAO was perfect on defense, while WBU made one fielding error.

Abi Gregory got the start in the circle for USAO and earned her first win of the season as she delivered 4.0 innings of work, allowing one run on four hits and she struck out one batter. Gabby Toquothty recorded the final three outs for the Drovers in the circle.

The USAO offense was led by four multi-hit performances, including Sierra Selfridge's perfect 4-4 performance at the plate. Selfridge also drove in a pair of runs. 

Shaylann Grace went 3-3 with a double and two runs batted in. Kinzie Williams finished 2-4 with two runs scored, while Leighanne Eaton went 2-4 with two runs scored and three runs batted in. 

Jadyn Goucher concluded 1-3 with a double and a run scored. Malea McMurtrey, Kamryn James, and Taygan Graham each singled in the finale. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return home to Bill Smith Ballpark for a non-conference double-header against Peru State College on Wednesday, March 12. First pitch of the twin bill is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT.

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