#9 USAO Run-Rule’s Central Christian Twice to Open Weekend Series

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the No. 9 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (21-7, 10-2 SAC) swept a double header against Central Christian College (11-13, 4-10 SAC). The Drovers opened the day with an 8-0 (6 inn.) win, followed by a 10-2 (6 inn.) triumph in game two. With the wins, USAO improves to 31-0 against Central Christian in head-to-head matchups since March 2018.

GAME 1

After holding the Tigers scoreless in the top of the first inning, the Drovers claimed an early lead as they plated a pair of runs in the bottom half of the inning. USAO doubled its lead in the second inning and maintained a 4-0 lead through four complete innings.

The Drovers added one run in the fifth, before scoring their final three runs in the bottom of the sixth to invoke the "run-rule".

As a team, the Drovers offense produced eight hits and reached on one walk, while the Tigers tallied four hits and drew one walk. CCC committed two fielding errors, while USAO was unblemished on defense.

Aubree Ferguson was stellar in the circle, to improve her record to 10-2 this season. Ferguson went all six innings to earn her sixth shutout of the season, allowing just four hits and struck out seven batters. In 12 appearances this season, the sophomore has allowed an earned run in only two of those contests, and she currently ranks fifth in the NAIA in earned run average (0.73).

USAO's offense was led by Kinzie Williams' 2-3 performance that included a triple, a run scored, and two runs batted in. Maddy Baber also tripled in the win, concluding 1-3 with a run scored. Taylor Cronic went 1-2 with a run scored and two runs batted in.

Malea McMurtrey and Aubree Ferguson each singled, scored, and drove in a run. Maveryck Lightfoot and Jordan Ramsay each singled and scored.

GAME 2

USAO once again claimed an early advantage, scoring two runs in each of the first two innings and preserved a 4-0 lead going into the fifth.

The Drovers plated one run in the bottom of the fifth, prior to Central Christian scoring two runs in the top of the sixth. USAO put the game away with a five-run rally in the bottom of the sixth, highlighted by Maddy Baber's walk-off, three-run homer.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 16 hits and reached on one walk, while the Tigers tallied four hits and drew four walks. Both teams committed one fielding error.

Jayden Anderson pitched all six innings for the Drovers, allowing just two runs on four hits and she struck out 10 batters. Anderson improved to 3-0 this season, and 30-6 in her impressive career.

USAO's offense was led by a trio of three-hit performances from Kinzie Williams, Leighanne Eaton, and Maddy Baber. Williams finished 3-4 with a triple and a run batted in. Eaton went 3-4 with a triple two runs scored, and two runs batted in. Eaton now ranks second in the NAIA this season in runs batted in (39).

Maddy Baber finished a triple shy of the cycle, going 3-4 with a double, a home run, and four runs batted in.

Taylor Cronic went 2-3 with a double, a run scored, and a run batted in, while Lilyana Portillo went 2-4 with a run scored. Jordan Ramsay went 1-2 with a triple and a run scored. Malea McMurtrey went 1-3 with a walk and two runs scored, while Maveryck Lightfood concluded 1-3 with a run scored.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Tigers will conclude the four-game series on Saturday (March 21) at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch is slated for 12:00 PM CT.

Stay up to date on all USAO Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!

Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.com

Live-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao

YouTube: Drover Athletics

X: @DroverAthletics

Facebook: @DroverAthletics

Instagram: @drover_athletics

GIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers