Drovers Sweep the Aggies for the 7th Season in a Row

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (28-14, 14-7 SAC) completed the three-game sweep with a 9-3 victory in the series finale against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (12-21, 3-18 SAC). On Thursday, the Drovers opened the series with a 7-2 victory, followed by a thrilling 1-0 walk-off triumph in game two.

USAO owns a perfect 22-0 record in the all-time series against OPSU, a series that dates to March 23, 2018. 

The series finale began with three scoreless innings, but USAO managed to claim the first lead on Peyton McDowall's 13^th home run of the season. However, the lead was short-lived as the Aggies evened the score at 1-1 with a run in the top of the fifth inning. 

The Drovers responded well and struck for a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. 

OPSU once again struck for the equalizer with a two-run homer in the top of the sixth to pull even at 3-3.

USAO emphatically retaliated with a six-run hit parade in the bottom half of the sixth. 

Both teams locked down on defense and on the mound, allowing zero runs for the remainder of the contest.

As a team, USAO reached the bases on 12 hits and six walks, while OPSU produced only six hits and zero walks. The Drovers committed three errors on defense, while the Aggies only committed one fielding error.  

Ben Lawson and Gavin Machado led the Drovers at the plate with a pair of multi-hit performances. Lawson concluded 3-4 with two doubles, a walk, two runs scored, and two runs batted in. Machado finished 2-4 with a walk and a run batted in. 

Peyton McDowall contributed a 1-3 performance that included a homer, two walks, and two runs scored. Gage Ninness doubled and drove in two runs, while Will Hoch doubled in his only at bat of the game. Devin Alvarez finished 1-3 with a walk, a run scored, and a run batted in. Ben Bach and Ian Ortiz each singled and scored. 

The Drover pitching staff continued their recent success as Kyler Denton improved his record to 6-1. Denton allowed only two earned runs on five hits, while striking out five batters. Sam Replogle relieved Denton for 3.0 scoreless innings. Replogle struck out five batters while allowing only one hit and no walks. 

In the series against OPSU, the USAO starting pitchers (Ereu, Cullinane, Denton) combined for a 1.01 earned run average in 17.2 innings of work, along with 24 strikeouts, while only surrendering nine hits and two walks. 

Over the last six games, the USAO pitching staff has held opponents to three runs or less in five occasions. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will wrap up the regular season with a three-game series against SAGU on April 27-28 at Bill Smith Ballpark. Saturday's double-header is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT, followed by a noon start time for the regular season finale on Sunday.

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