NAIA
[Baseball] #14 Drovers Sweep Double-Header Against Friends and #24 Bellevue
CHICKASHA, Okla. – On Saturday, the No. 14 ranked University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (8-2, 0-0 SAC) extended their win-streak to four games, with a double-header sweep against Friends University (Kan.) and No. 24 ranked Bellevue University (Neb.). The Drovers won the opener against Friends by a score of 11-5, followed by a thrilling 4-3 victory against Bellevue. vs FRIENDS (7-6, 0-0 KCAC)The Drovers had a rocky start in the first game of the day, as starting pitcher Kaden Alexander (JR/Broken Arrow, OK) tried to find his footing on the mound. The Falcons took advantage of the instability, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. However, the lead was short-lived as the Drover offense struck for three runs of our own in the bottom half of the inning.Standout infielder, Gage Gaunt (SO/Clinton, OK) put up two of the three runs, first scoring off a single from Joey Pena (SR/Mustang, OK) and then sending a deep shot over left field for a two-run homerun to even the score at 3-3. Alexander picked up the pieces holding the Falcons scoreless through the second and third inning, while his offense continued their success at the plate. The Drovers combined for five more runs in the second and third innings. The Falcons rallied for a couple of runs in the top of the fourth inning, but Science & Arts immediately responded once again, pushing across three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Pitching would rule the rest of the contest, as neither team scored after the fourth inning.Kaden Alexander earned the win as he struck out five batters over 3.1 innings of work. Sean Craig (SR/Daly City, CA) delivered a great performance out of the bullpen, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings, and he struck out seven batters.As a team, the Drovers strung together 12 hits, including two more homeruns, following a five-homer performance on Friday evening. Jake Womack (SR/Chickasha, OK) and Colton Bensch (SR/Mustang, OK) each finished the win 3-3 with a run scored. Additionally, Womack belted a double, a homerun, and three runs batted in.Gage Gaunt continued his terrific start to the season with a 2-3 clip at the plate, adding three runs scored, a homerun, and two RBI's.Brock Henderson (JR/Chickasha, OK) also finished 2-3 with a run scored. Joey Pena went 1-3 with a pair of runs scored, as well as a run batted in. Peyton McDowall (JR/Cibolo, TX) concluded 1-3 with a run scored and a run batted in. vs #24 BELLEVUE (4-3, 0-0 NSAC)The Bruins were able to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, but the Drovers would use a pair of runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the load. Bellevue scored two runs in the top of the sixth inning to reclaim a 3-2 lead, but the Drovers would not go away. Luis Pelayo (SR/Santa Cruz, Aruba) stepped to the dish with a runner on base in the bottom of the sixth inning and deposited a DEEP homerun over the right field fence, giving the Drovers a 4-3 lead going into the final inning of the game. Hagen Earls (JR/Summerfield, OK) did a fantastic job closing out the final 1.1 innings, striking out one batter and he did not allow a hit. Drew Shaver (JR/Sante Fe, TX) was brilliant over the first 5.2 innings on the mound, allowing just three earned runs and a walk, while striking out nine batters. Luis Pelayo was responsible for two of the Drovers five hits as a team. The 2019 NAIA All-American finished the contest 2-3 with two homeruns and three runs batted in. Gage Gaunt went 1-3, While Jake Womack and Colton Bensch each went 1-2. WHAT'S NEXT?The Drovers will be back in action at Bill Smith Ballpark on Saturday, February 18, when they host a double-header against Friends University and No. 24 ranked Bellevue University. The Drovers will face Friends at 12:00 PM, followed by a 5:00 PM start time against Bellevue. 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