Late Rally Falls Short in Series Finale Against #15 Bellevue

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-6, 0-0 SAC) suffered a 7-6 loss in the series finale against No. 15 ranked Bellevue University (2-5, 0-0 NSAA). On Friday, the Drovers clinched the series victory with a double-header sweep, beginning with a thrilling 9-8 extra-inning victory, followed by a 7-5 triumph in the second game of the day.

With Saturday's loss, the Drovers are now 14-6 against the Bruins since 2017.

For the third game in a row, the Bruins scored in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. The Drovers responded with a run of their own in the bottom half of the first, but Bellevue would once again reclaim the lead with a run in the top of the second inning.

The score remained 2-1 until the bottom of the third inning when Christopher Martinez launched a two-run home run to right field. 

USAO remained in the lead until the top of the eighth when Bellevue scored one run to tie the score at 3-3.

The Bruins would then rally for four runs in the top of the ninth to claim a 7-3 advantage. USAO showed fight in the bottom of the ninth, scoring three runs, but were unable to bring across the game-tying run, leaving the bases loaded full of Drovers.

As a team, the Drovers offense produced 11 hits and reached on four walks, while the Bruins tallied 11 hits and drew two walks. Bellevue committed one error on defense, and USAO committed three fielding errors, all of which came in the top of the ninth inning.

Tyson Noel got the start on the mound for the Drovers and delivered 6.0 stellar innings of work, allowing only two runs on six hits and he struck out 10 batters. Noel was relieved by Jared Adams, who suffered the loss after surrendering five runs in 2.1 innings. Jakob Brandenberger took over to record the final two outs of the ninth inning.

The USAO offense was led by a pair of three-hit performances from Christopher Martinez and Ian Ortiz. Martinez finished 3-4 with a homer and three runs batted in. Ortiz concluded 3-4 with a run scored. 

Corey Morro, Ben Bach, Gunnar Hansen, Ricky Requejo, and Devin Alvarez each singles in the finale. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Friday, February 21 as they open conference play against Wayland Baptist University. First pitch of the double-header is scheduled for 3:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark. USAO and WBU will conclude the three-game series on Saturday, February 22 at 12:00 PM CT.

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