NAIA

[Baseball] #12 Drovers Blast SIX Homeruns in Double-Header Sweep Against College of the Ozarks

CHICKASHA, Okla. – Friday night, the No. 12 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (27-8, 14-4 SAC) pushed its win-streak to eight with a double-header sweep against College of the Ozarks (20-15 NCCAA). The Drovers continued to pound the baseball as they cruised to a 14-8 victory in the opener, followed by a thrilling 7-6 walk-off win in game two. Additionally, USAO has now won 12 of their last 13 games played.With the sweep, the Drovers improve to 5-1 all-time against the Bobcats. GAME 1 – The Drovers scored early and often in the series opener. Additionally, they received a great effort from Josh Harrel (JR/Cashion, OK) on the mound. After allowing one run in the top of the first inning, the Drovers settled in on defense and did not allow the Bobcats to score again until the fifth inning.The Drovers were able to strike in bunches, scoring three times in the first inning, followed by four in the third, five in the fourth, and two in the fifth. College of the Ozarks rallied for six runs in the top of the seventh inning, but it was far too little to overcome the large deficit.Josh Harrel delivered 6.0 stellar innings on the mound, allowing just two earned runs and he struck out seven batters. As a team, the Drovers strung together 11 hits and they were awarded 11 walks to produce a whooping 22 baserunners. Luis Pelayo (SR/Santa Cruz, Aruba) paced the offense as he continued to terrorize opposing pitchers. Pelayo finished 3-5 with a pair of homeruns, a double, three runs scored, and four runs batted in.Brock Henderson (JR/Chickasha, OK) contributed a 2-4 performance which included a walk and three runs scored, while Luke Lewis (SO/Ft. Cobb, OK) went 2-3 with a walk and two RBI's. Joey Pena (SR/Mustang, OK) concluded 2-3 with a pair of singles and a walk. Gabriel Arroyo (SO/Arecibo, Puerto Rico) had a fantastic day at the dish, going 1-2 with a grand slam, a walk, two runs, scored, and six runs batted in. Peyton McDowall (JR/Cibolo, TX) was perfect at the plate, going 1-1 with a homerun, three walks, and two runs scored.  GAME 2 – The Drovers overcame a four-run deficit to win the second game of the day in walk-off fashion. USAO captured an early 2-0 lead with a run in each of the first two innings, but the Bobcats responded with a six-run third inning. In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Drovers tied the game with a four-run frame. The score remained 6-6 until Brandon Shumway (SR/Chickasha, OK) drove in the game-winning run with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning.Kaden Alexander (JR/Broken Arrow, OK) got the start on the mound and pitched the first 2.2 innings for the Drovers, allowing five earned runs and he struck out three batters. Brett Lorah (SR/Elgin, OK) was fantastic out of the bullpen, improving his record to 5-0 this season. Lorah pitched the final 4.1 innings, allowing zero runs and he fanned five batters.As a squad, the Drovers produced eight hits and earned seven walks. Brandon Shumway and Gage Gaunt (SO/Clinton, OK) each provided multi-hit performances. In addition to driving in the winning run, Shumway finished 3-4 with a triple, a run scored, and three runs batted in. Gaunt finished 2-3 with a double, a homerun, a walk, two runs scored, and a RBI. Gabriel Arroyo continued with his successful day, going 1-1 with a pair of walks, a homerun, and three runs scored. Peyton McDowall and Jake Womack (SR/Chickasha, OK) each singled in the hard-fought victory.Luis Pelayo concluded 0-1 with three walks, snapping his streak of 11 consecutive multi-hit games. Over the last 12 games, Pelayo is batting 27-45 (.600), with seven doubles, five homeruns, 23 RBI's, 22 runs, and eight walks. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS–> CLICK HERE WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers and Bobcats will play another double-header on Saturday, April 16 at Bill Smith Ballpark. First pitch of the day is scheduled for 1:00 PM, followed by a 3:30 start time in the series finale.            Stay up to date on all Science & Arts Athletics news by following us on our media platforms!Athletics Website: www.usaoathletics.comLive-stream: www.sacsportsnetwork.com/usao/YouTube: Drover AthleticsTwitter: @DroverAthleticsFacebook: @DroverAthleticsInstagram: @drover_athleticsGIPHY: www.giphy.com/USAODrovers