Drovers Drop Series Finale at College of the Ozarks

LOOKOUT, Mo. – Saturday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (21-13, 11-7 SAC) suffered a tough 7-1 loss in the series finale at College of the Ozarks (15-17, 8-10 SAC). On Friday, Drovers began the series with a dominant 16-1 victory, followed by a disappointing 4-3 loss in the second game. 

With the series loss, USAO is now to 8-3 against CofO all-time, dating to the 2021 season.

After a scoreless first inning, the Bobcats claimed an early lead with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning. College of the Ozarks maintained a 2-0 advantage until the bottom of the fourth when Jared Adams surrendered a leadoff home run, extending the Bobcats lead to 3-0. CofO continued to add to their lead with three more runs in the bottom of the fifth.

In the top of the eighth, the Drovers trimmed the deficit to 6-1 with a RBI-single from Christopher Martinez, however the Bobcats immediately responded with another run in the bottom half of the inning to reclaim a six-run lead. USAO was unable to rally in the top of the ninth and was dealt their second consecutive series loss.

As a team, the Drovers produced seven hits and reached the bases on two walks, while the Bobcats tallied nine hits and drew one free pass. Defensively, both teams committed one fielding error. 

Jared Adams got the start on the mound for the Drovers and went 4.0 innings, allowing six runs on six hits, while striking out two batters. Ryan Cullinane relieved Adams in the bottom of the fifth and delivered 3.0 scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits while striking out three batters. Tristan Perry allowed one run in 0.1 innings, followed by Rob Schmidt recording the final two outs of the eighth. 

The Drover offense was led by a pair of two-hit performances from Peyton McDowall and Ian Ortiz. McDowall went 2-4 with a pair of doubles, while Ortiz finished 2-3 with a double, a walk, and a run scored. 

Gage Ninness concluded 1-4 with a double, and Christopher Martinez went 1-4 with a run batted in. Corey Morro went 1-4 with a single in the series finale. 

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Wednesday, April 2 as they travel to Weatherford, Okla. for a midweek contest at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT.

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