Drovers Suffer a Trio of One-Run Losses at Wayland Baptist

PLAINVIEW, Texas – On Friday and Saturday, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (9-17, 5-10 SAC) was dealt a trio of one-run losses on the road at Wayland Baptist University (21-11, 9-6 SAC). On Friday, the Drovers suffered a 9-8 loss in the series opener, followed by a walk-off 11-10 loss in game two. On Saturday, WBU swept the series with a 9-8 walk-off win.

In head-to-head matchups since 2007, the Drovers own a 50-19 record, and prior to this weekend, USAO had won 32 of the last 35 meetings.

GAME 1

The Drovers wasted little time to claim the lead in the series opener, pushing across three runs in the top of the first inning. However, the lead was short-lived as WBU immediately responded with a trio of runs of their own.

The score remained tied until the bottom of the third when WBU added three more runs. USAO cut the deficit to 6-4 with a run in the top of the fourth, but the Pioneers added insurance in the fifth, pushing across three more runs.

Trailing 9-4 going into the top of the seventh, the Drovers rallied for four runs and managed to get the tying run on third base but were unable to drive in the equalizer prior to the final out being recorded.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced nine hits and reached on eight walks, while the Pioneers tallied seven hits and drew six walks. Both teams committed a pair of defensive errors.

Tyson Noel got the start on the mound and went 4.1 innings, allowing six earned runs on six hits and struck out one batter. Chris Ottinger faced three batters prior to Tristan Perry recording a couple of outs. Luke Naranjo pitched a scoreless sixth inning and struck out a batter.

USAO's offense was led by a trio of two-hit performances, including Connor Martin going 2-5 with a triple, a run scored, and a run batted in. Solomon Harwood went 2-3 with a walk and a run scored, while Corey Morro went 2-4 with a run scored.

Henry Garcia and Gabe Clyden each singled and scored in the series opener. Duncan Key drove in a run and singled.

GAME 2

For the second game in a row, the Drovers scored three runs in the top of the first inning, but it was short-lived as the Pioneers plated five runs in the bottom half of the inning. WBU stretched their lead to 8-3 with two runs in the second, followed by one in the third.

USAO's offense got hot in the middle innings and took a 9-8 lead with three runs in the fourth and fifth innings. The Drovers added an insurance run in the top of the sixth, but the Pioneers managed to tie the game at 10-10 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. After holding USAO scoreless in the top of the seventh, WBU claimed the walk-off win with a run in the bottom half of the inning.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced nine hits and reached on seven walks, while the Pioneers tallied 10 hits and drew eight walks. USAO was unblemished on defense, while WBU committed five fielding errors.

Brian Ereu got the start on the mound and surrendered seven runs in one inning of work. Jaxon McDonald pitched an inning of scoreless relief before handing the ball to Layton Bryan for the next 4.0 innings. Bryan allowed three runs on five hits and struck out two batters. Jake Finkelstein pitched 0.2 innings, allowing one run on one hit and he struck out a batter.

USAO's offense was led by Corey Morro's perfect performance at the dish, going 3-3 with a home run, two walks, two runs scored, and four runs batted in.

Henry Garcia finished 2-5 with a double and two runs scored. Duncan Key drove in a pair of runs as he went 1-3 with a double and a walk.

Connor Martin, Alfonso Camacho, and Dawson Robbins each singled in game two.

GAME 3

The Drovers once again jumped ahead early with one run in the top of the first inning as Connor Martin launched a lead-off home run. However, WBU retaliated with four runs in the bottom of the first, and one in the second.

USAO claimed a 6-5 lead as they rallied for five runs in the top of the third inning, highlighted by Duncan Key's grand slam.

Following a scoreless fourth inning, WBU took a 7-6 advantage with a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth.

The Drovers pulled the score even with one run in the eighth inning, prior to claiming an 8-7 lead in the top of the ninth on Henry Garcia's solo-homer.

However, the Pioneers once again stole the win, with a two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth, finishing off the sweep.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced nine hits and reached on three walks, while the Pioneers tallied 11 hits and drew three walks. USAO committed one fielding error, and WBU fumbled the ball twice defensively.

Kason Johnson got the start on the mound and went 4.1 innings, allowing six earned runs on eight hits and he struck out six batters. Naton Herchock pitched the final 4.0 innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and he struck out six batters.

USAO's offense was led by a trio of two-hit performances from Connor Martin, Henry Garcia, and Duncan Key. Martin and Garcia each finished 2-5 with a home run and two runs scored. Key concluded 2-5 with a homer and four runs batted in.

Corey Morro, Alfonso Camach, and Anthony Hamton each singled in the series finale.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, March 24 as they travel to Weatherford, Okla. to face Southwestern Oklahoma State University (NCAA DII) at 2:00 PM CT.

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