#18 MACU Scores Late to Take Down USAO in Series Opener

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (18-10, 9-4 SAC) was dealt a tough 4-2 loss in the series opener against No. 18 ranked Mid-America Christian University (24-7, 11-2 SAC).

With the loss, the Drovers are now 50-19 against the Evangels all-time, a series that dates to Feb. of 2005. Furthermore, USAO is 39-10 against MACU since 2011.

After both teams were held scoreless in the first inning, USAO claimed an early 1-0 lead as Gunnar Hansen drove in Christopher Martinez with a single to center field in the bottom of the second inning. 

The Drovers maintained a 1-0 lead until the top of the sixth when the Evangels struck for a pair of runs to claim their first advantage of the game. 

The MACU lead was short-lived as Gunnar Hansen launched a solo-homer in the bottom of the seventh to even the score at 2-2.

In the top of the ninth, the Evangels emphatically took a 4-2 lead with a two-run homer, prior to holding the Drovers scoreless in the bottom of the ninth.

As a team, the Drovers produced six hits and reached the bases on five walks, while the Evangels tallied seven hits and drew four free passes. Defensively, MACU committed only one fielding error, while USAO fumbled the ball three times. 

Jared Adams got the start for USAO on the mound and delivered 5.1 strong innings of work, allowing two runs on three hits and he struck out five batters. Ryan Cullinane suffered his first loss of the season as he pitched the final 3.2 innings, surrendering two runs on four hits and struck out seven batters.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of two-hit performances from Gunnar Hansen and Christopher Martinez. Hansen concluded 2-4 with his third home run of the season, along with a pair of runs batted in. Martinez finished 2-3 with a walk and a run scored. 

Jaden Wiley and Ricky Requejo each delivered singles in the series opener. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and Evangels will wrap up the three-game series on Saturday, March 22 at Bill Smith Ballpark. Saturday's double-header is scheduled to begin at noon.  

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