Drovers Complete Three-Game Sweep Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday afternoon, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (15-8, 7-2 SAC) stayed red hot and completed the three-game sweep against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (9-16, 2-7 SAC). The Drovers began the day with a commanding 7-1 win, followed by a thrilling 5-4 walk-off triumph in the finale. USAO won Thursday's series opener 10-2.

The Drovers have thoroughly dominated the all-time series against the Aggies, owning an incredible 25-0 record against OPSU since March of 2018.

GAME 1

Despite being out-hit 10-5, the Drovers made the most of all their opportunities to cruise to a 7-1 victory in the first game of the day.

After the game began with a scoreless first inning, the Drovers jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the bottom of the second, highlighted by Christopher Martinez's third home run of the season and a sacrifice-fly from Ricky Requejo.

OPSU cut their deficit in half with a run in the top of the third, but it would end up being their only run of the game. 

USAO extended their lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth as Gage Ninness recorded a sacrifice-fly that brought in Requejo. The Drovers added more insurance in the bottom of the sixth, scoring four more runs, punctuated by Ninness' bases clearing double.

As a team, the Drovers compiled just five hits and reached the bases on five walks, meanwhile the Aggies tallied 10 hits and drew only one walk. OPSU struggled defensively, committing four fielding errors, while USAO was perfect on defense.  

Brian Ereu got the start for USAO on the mound and delivered 6.2 stellar innings to improve his record to 4-1 this season. Ereu allowed only one run on 10 hits, and he struck out three batters. The righty now owns an impressive career win-loss record of 16-3 as a Drover. 

Tristan Perry relieved Ereu with two outs in the seventh inning and recorded the final out of the contest.

USAO's offense was led by Gage Ninness' four-RBI performance, concluding 1-3 with a double down the left field line. 

Christopher Martinez and Ricky Requejo each finished 1-1 at the plate. Martinez singled, walked twice, scored a run, and drove in a run, while Requejo walked once, scored twice, and drove in a run. 

Gunnar Hansen finished 1-3 with a double and a run batted in, while Devin Alvarez went 1-3 with a run scored. Ian Ortiz walked once and scored twice.

GAME 2

After holding an early lead, the Drovers needed a pair of runs in the seventh inning to claim a 5-4 walk-off victory in the series finale. 

After allowing the Aggies to claim an early 1-0 lead with a run in the top of the first inning, the Drovers took over the lead with a three-run rally in the bottom of the second, highlighted by Gage Ninness' two-RBI single to right field. 

Down, but not out, the Aggies rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 4-3 advantage. 

In the bottom of the seventh, the Drovers tied the game at 4-4 on Ian Ortiz's RBI-single to right field, scoring Jaden Wiley. A few batters later, USAO secured the walk-off win as Devin Alvarez drove in the winning run on an error by the OPSU shortstop.

As a team, the Drovers compiled eight hits and reached the bases on seven walks, meanwhile the Aggies tallied nine hits and drew zero walks. OPSU once again struggled defensively, committing two fielding errors, while USAO was perfect in the field. 

Tyson Noel got the start for USAO on the mound and delivered 5.0 innings of work, allowing four runs on seven hits and he struck out five batters. Julian Pokorny recorded the first out of the sixth inning, prior to Rob Schmidt earning the win as he pitched the final 1.2 scoreless innings. Schmidt allowed only one hit, and he struck out one batter.

The Drover offense was led by a pair of multi-hit performances from Ben Bach and Gage Ninness. Bach concluded 3-4 with two doubles and a run scored, while Ninness went 2-3 with a walk and two runs batted in. Despite being USAO's leadoff hitter, Ninness currently ranks fifth in the Sooner Athletic Conference with 30 runs batted in through the team's first 23 games of the season. Furthermore, Ninness ranks third in the conference with a .407 batting average. 

Ian Ortiz concluded 1-2 with a pair of walks, a run scored, and a run batted in. Gunnar Hansen finished 1-3 with a walk, and Corey Morro went 1-4. Devin Alvarez drove in a pair of runs in the finale, including the game-winning run.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers will return to action on Tuesday, March 11 as they host a non-conference matchup against Randall University. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark.

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