#19 USAO Splits Double-Header Against McPherson

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the No. 19 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-6, 0-0 SAC) opened the three-game series with a double-header split against McPherson College (6-5, 0-0 KCAC). The Drovers suffered a tough 14-9 loss in extra innings in the opener, followed by a 4-1 victory in the second game. 

GAME 1-

The Bulldogs opened the day with a bang, blasting a solo-homerun in the top of the first inning, but the Drovers managed to even the score at 1-1 in the bottom half of the first. 

The score remained knotted at 1-1 until the top of the third inning, when McPherson brought across their second run of the game to take a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the third, Peyton McDowall gave the Drovers a 3-2 lead with a two-run blast to right-center field. 

Science & Arts extended their lead to 9-2 with a six-run outburst in the bottom of the fourth inning.

While the Drovers seemed comfortably in the lead, the Bulldogs began to rally with three runs in the top of the fifth, followed by three more in the top of the sixth inning, cutting their deficit to 9-8.

In a wild seventh inning, McPherson was able to tie the score at 9-9, with one run on an extremely controversial call, which led to a 10-minute pause in the action as the umpires tried to sort out the "correct" call.

The Bulldogs carried their momentum into the eighth inning, striking for five runs, putting the game out of reach for the Drovers.

At the conclusion of the contest, the Drovers finished with 10 hits, and reached base on four errors, as well as nine walks. The Bulldogs produced 16 hits and walked seven times.

Josh Harrel got the start on the mound for USAO and went 4.1 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits, and he struck out four batters. 

Boone Lasater, Drew Shaver, Alden Norquist, and Nolan Gagnon combined in the relief effort after Harrel exited the game. 

Peyton McDowall led the USAO offense with a three-hit performance. McDowall concluded 3-5 with a homerun, two runs scored, and four runs batted in.

Nick Fleckenstein contributed a 2-5 performance, which included a walk and a run scored. 

Gabriel Arroyo, Christopher Martinez, Gage Gaunt, Ryan Duncan, and Gunnar Hansen each singled in the series-opener.

GAME 2-

The Drovers were out for revenge in the second game of the day, scoring for a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning.

The score remained 2-0 until the bottom of the fifth, when USAO was able to add on one more insurance run. 

McPherson scored their only run of the game in the top of the sixth inning, followed by the Drovers final run in the bottom of the sixth, prior to slamming the door on the Bulldogs in the seventh.

USAO was able to string together eight hits, while holding McPherson to only two. 

Megumi Fukuda was sensational on the mound for Science & Arts, delivering 6.0 strong innings of work to improve his record to 3-1. Fukuda did not allow any earned runs and he allowed only two hits, while striking out five batters. 

Cameron Johnson earned his first save of the season as he delivered a scoreless seventh inning, and he struck out one batter.

Nick Fleckenstein led the Drovers at the plate, going 2-4 with a double, a stolen base, and a run scored. Christopher Martinez also had a good game at the dish as he finished 1-2 with a walk, a double, a run scored, and a run batted in. 

Peyton McDowall, Gage Gaunt, and Gunnar Hansen each singled and drove in a run. Antonio Hrynkiw also singled in the win.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action at Bill Smith Ballpark on Sunday (Feb. 26), as they conclude the three-game series against McPherson College. First-pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM. 

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