Box Score SHAWNEE, Okla. — The Ottawa Braves softball threatened early and kept grinding throughout, but a big first inning from no. 9 Science and Arts Drovers softball proved the difference in a 5-1 decision Friday at Firelake Ball Field.
First Inning – Early Punch
- Ottawa opened with a Cece Mora single and advanced a runner into scoring position, but couldn’t break through.
- Science and Arts capitalized in the bottom half, stringing together three hits and a walk to plate three runs for a 3-0 lead.
Second Inning – Missed Opportunity
- The Braves put immediate pressure on the Drovers. Emma Melvin walked, Lilli Richerson dropped down a bunt single, and Alex Genty followed with a single to load the bases with no outs.
- Science and Arts escaped the jam with a strikeout and a caught stealing at third, keeping Ottawa off the board.
- The Drovers added a run on an RBI single to make it 4-0.
Third Inning – Defensive Break
- Ottawa picked up another hit from Abby Bellamy but couldn’t convert.
- Science and Arts pushed across an unearned run after a throwing error extended the inning, stretching the lead to 5-0.
Fourth Inning – Braves Break Through
- Emma Melvin singled to start the frame.
- After a pair of Drover miscues and aggressive baserunning, Ottawa got on the board when Dev Medina reached on an error that allowed Melvin to score.
- The Braves cut it to 5-1 and continued to pressure defensively the rest of the way.
Final Three Innings – Lockdown Effort
- Lanie Becker settled in, retiring 8 of the final 10 batters faced.
- Ottawa held Science and Arts scoreless over the final three innings.
- The Braves brought the tying run to the plate in the fifth after a leadoff double from Cece Mora, but couldn’t string together the needed hit.
By the Numbers
- Hits: Ottawa 6, Science and Arts 10
- Left on Base: Ottawa 8
- Errors: Ottawa 3, Science and Arts 2
- Scoreless Frames by Ottawa Pitching: 3 straight to close the game
Ottawa Statistical Leaders
In the Circle:
Who is Next
Ottawa (8-3) returns to the diamond on Saturday, February 21 at the NAIA SB Invite. OU will play (6) Grand View University at 12:30 p.m.