McDowall Makes History as USAO Splits Double Header Against #18 MACU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (19-11, 10-5 SAC) split a double header against No. 18 ranked Mid-America Christian University (25-8, 12-3 SAC). The Drovers opened the day with a 9-7 win, followed by a 10-5 loss in the series finale. 

The Drovers are now 51-20 against the Evangels all-time, a series that dates to Feb. of 2005. Furthermore, USAO is 40-11 against MACU since 2011.

GAME 1

After trailing early in the contest, the Drovers rallied for nine runs over the final three innings to claim the thrilling 9-7 win. 

The Evangels took an early lead with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, followed by another run in the top of the third. In the bottom of the fourth inning, USAO evened the score at 3-3 with a three-run homer from Peyton McDowall. The Drovers then claimed a 6-3 advantage on Corey Morro's three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth.

However, the Evangels quickly tied the score at 6-6 with a trio of runs in the top of the sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth, USAO's offense stayed hot and struck for their final three runs, highlighted by a two-RBI double from Christopher Martinez. 

The Evangels connected on a solo-homer in the top of the seventh, but it was too liitle, too late. 

As a team, the Drovers produced eight hits and reached the bases on six walks, while the Evangels tallied 11 hits and drew three free passes. Defensively, USAO committed one fielding error, while MACU was unblemished on defense. 

Brian Ereu got the start for USAO on the mound and delivered 5.0 solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and he struck out seven batters. Megumi Fukuda made a brief appearance prior to being relieved by Rob Schmidt for the final 2.0 innings. Schmidt surrendered two runs on three hits, and he struck out two batters.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of three-RBI performances from Peyton McDowall and Corey Morro. McDowall concluded 1-3 with his sixth homer of the season, while Morro went 1-3 with his third homer, along with a walk and two runs scored. 

With McDowall's 50^th career home run, he scored his 200^th run as a Drover, becoming the first player in program history to surpass 200 hits, 200 runs batted in, and 200 runs scored. In 188 games as a Drover, McDowall has tallied 237 hits, 208 RBIs, and 201 runs scored. He is the program leader in at bats (655), hits, doubles (54), home runs, runs scored, and runs batted in.

Ian Ortiz was a perfect 2-2 at the plate, in addition to two walks and two runs scored. Christopher Martinez went 1-2 with a double, two walks, a run scored, and two runs batted in. Gage Ninness and Ben Bach each went 1-4 with a run scored, and Gunnar Hansen concluded 1-3. 

GAME 2

The series finale was kept close early on, but the Evangels used a late five-run rally to put the game out of reach for the Drovers, giving MACU the 10-5 win. 

After the game began with two scoreless innings, the Evangels claimed the first lead, with a solo-home run in the top of the third inning. The Drovers immediately responded with a solo-shot of their own in the bottom of the third, courtesy of Devin Alvarez's third longball of the season. 

MACU claimed a 4-1 advantage with a trio of runs in the top of the fourth inning. USAO cut the deficit in half with one run in the bottom of the fifth as Gage Ninness drove in Boone Lasater. 

The Evangels would add more insurance in the top of the sixth, bringing across five runs to increase their lead to 9-2. Down but not out, the Drovers cut the deficit to 9-4 with a two-run home run from Gunnar Hansen in the bottom of the sixth.

In the top the seventh, MACU scored their final run, prior to Corey Morro driving in USAO's final run with a double in the bottom of the seventh.

As a team, the Drovers produced only five hits and reached the bases on two walks, while the Evangels tallied eight hits and drew four free passes. Defensively, MACU committed zero errors, while USAO fumbled the ball twice. 

Tyson Noel got the start for USAO on the mound and pitched 4.0 innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits and he struck out five batters. Kyler Denton pitched the next 1.1 innings, allowing four runs on three hits and struck out three batters. Jakob Brandenberger recorded the final two outs of the sixth inning, prior to handing the ball off the Naton Herchock in the seventh. 

The Drover offense was led by Devin Alvarez's perfect performance at the plate. Alvarez went 1-1 with a solo-homer and a sacrifice bunt. Gunnar Hansen concluded 1-2 with a two-run homer. 

Corey Morro concluded 1-3 with a double, a walk, and a run batted in. Gage Ninness went 1-4 with a run scored and a run batted in, while Jaden Wiley went 1-3 with a single. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, March 25 as they host Randall University. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.  

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