Drovers Split Twin Bill Against OCU
CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (16-20, 11-12 SAC) split a double header against Oklahoma City University (17-23, 12-11 SAC). The Drovers opened the series with a 9-5 win, followed by a tough 1-0 loss in game two.
GAME 1
After holding the Stars scoreless in the top of the first, the Drovers claimed an early lead as Solomon Harwood drove in Connor Martin in the bottom of the first inning. Both teams scored once in the second inning, prior to a five-run rally for USAO in the bottom of the third.
The Stars scored once in the top of the fourth, before the Drovers added two more insurance runs to take a 9-2 advantage into the fifth.
OCU rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh, but it wasn't enough to overcomes USAO's advantage.
As a team, the Drovers offense produced eight hits and reached on eight walks, while the Stars tallied 10 hits and drew three walks. Both teams were unblemished defensively.
Tyson Noel got the start on the mound and improved his record to 4-4 as he went 6.1 innings, allowing five runs on 10 hits and he struck out seven batters.
Layton Bryan relieved Noel with one out in the seventh and proceeded to strike out the final two batters to end the game.
USAO's offense was led by Duncan Key's two-hit performance. Key finished 2-3 with a walk and two runs batted in.
Alfonso Camacho drove in a pair of runs and scored once as he went 1-3 at the plate. Solomon Harwood concluded 1-2 with a pair of walks, two runs scored, and a run batted in.
Connor Martin finished 1-2 with a run scored, while Henry Garcia went 1-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored.
Derrick Morillo went 1-3 with a double and a run batted in. Gabe Clyden singled and drove in a run in the win.
GAME 2
Game two was a tremendous pitcher's duel, with zero earned runs scored in the 1-0 OCU win.
The only run of the game came in the top of the first inning as the right side of the USAO infield dropped a routine fly ball with two outs and a runner at third base.
As a team, the Drovers offense produced seven hits and reached on one walk, while the Stars tallied four hits and did not draw a walk. USAO committed a pair of fielding errors, while the Stars were perfect defensively.
Brian Ereu got the start on the mound and was superb, allowing zero earned runs on four hits and struck out six batters in 7.0 innings of work.
USAO's offense was led by a pair of two-hit performances from Alfonso Camacho and Anthony Hampton. They each finished 2-3 with a pair of singles. Duncan Key, Corey Morro, and Brandon Latter each singled in game two.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Drovers and Stars will complete the three-game series at 1:00 PM CT on Friday (April 10) at Bill Smith Ballpark. Following the contest, USAO will celebrate its senior class of 2026 with their annual Senior Day ceremony.
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