USAO’s Rally Falls Short in Series Finale Against #25 Nelson University

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (12-18, 7-11 SAC) suffered an 8-4 loss in the series finale against No. 25 ranked Nelson University (23-13, 8-10 SAC). On Friday, the Drovers opened the series with a 4-0 win, prior to a 9-8 triumph in game two. Following the series the Drovers are now 31-7 against the Lions in head-to-head matchups since 2014.

The Lions wasted little time to take the lead, pushing across two runs in each of the first two innings. Nelson added insurance with two runs in the top of the fourth, prior to one in the fifth to stretch their lead to 7-0.

After being held scoreless for four innings, USAO scored its first run in the bottom of the fifth on Connor Martin's RBI-single.

The Lions scored their eighth and final run in the top of the sixth and took an 8-1 advantage into the seventh.

The Drovers rallied for a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh, before scoring their final run in the eighth.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced eight hits and reached on three walks, while the Lions tallied 12 hits and drew five walks. Nelson still found a way to win despite committing two fielding errors, in comparison to USAO's unblemished defense.

Kason Johnson got the start on the mound and went 3.0 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits, and he struck out four batters. Naton Herchock pitched 1.1 innings before handing the ball to Jaxon McDonald for 2.2 innings. Chris Ottinger tossed a pair of scoreless innings to close out the contest.

USAO's offense was led by two-hit performances from Connor Martin and Solomon Harwood. Martin concluded 2-5 with a double, a run scored, and two runs batted in, while Harwood went 2-4 with a pair of singles.

Dawson Robbins drove in a run with a single in his only at bat of the game. Gabe Clyden went 1-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Alfonso Camacho and Corey Morro each singled in the series finale.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will now head to Goodwell, Okla. for a three-game series at Oklahoma Panhandle State University on April 3-4.

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