Drovers Command Series Opener Against OPSU

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Thursday night, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (13-8, 5-2 SAC) opened the three-game series with an impressive 10-2 victory against Oklahoma Panhandle State University (9-14, 2-5 SAC).

The Drovers have thoroughly dominated the all-time series against the Aggies, owning a 23-0 record against OPSU since March of 2018.

The Drovers scored early and often on Thursday. USAO claimed an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Gunnar Hansen and a RBI-single from Gage Ninness. 

One inning later, USAO stretched the lead to 6-0 as Hansen launched a grand slam off the scoreboard in left field. 

USAO added another insurance run in the bottom of the fourth and controlled a comfortable 7-0 lead until the top of the sixth, when OPSU scored their only two runs of the game. 

The Drovers responded with another run in the bottom of the sixth as Peyton McDowall scored from third base on a balk. USAO extended the lead to 9-2 on Ricky Requejo's RBI-single in the seventh, followed by the final run in the eighth on Ben Bach's RBI-double down the left field line. 

As a team, the Drovers compiled 13 hits and reached the bases on three walks, meanwhile the Aggies tallied five hits and drew three walks. OPSU committed three fielding errors, while USAO fumbled the ball twice on defense. 

Jared Adams got the start for USAO on the mound and delivered 5.2 strong innings of work. Adams surrendered two runs on four hits, and he struck out seven batters as he improved his record to 3-3 this season. Ryan Cullinane pitched 3.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing only one hit while striking out four batters.

USAO's offense was led by five two-hit performances, highlighted by Gunnar Hansen's powerful evening. Hansen finished 2-3 with a grand slam homer and five runs batted in.  Gage Ninness concluded 2-5 with a run batted in, while Corey Morro went 2-5 with a run scored and a run batted in. Ben Bach went 2-5 with a double, two runs scored, and a run batted in. Devin Alvarez closed the win 2-4 with a pair of singles. 

Ricky Requejo went 1-4 with a stolen base, a run scored, and a run batted in. Christopher Martinez and Ian Ortiz each went 1-5 with singles and a run scored. 

Peyton McDowall reached the bases on three walks, stole two bases, and he scored three runs.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Drovers and the Aggies will conclude the three-game series with a double-header on Friday, March 7. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM CT at Bill Smith Ballpark. 

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