CHICKASHA, Okla. – The Ottawa University baseball team erased a seven-run deficit and plated three runs in the 13th inning to earn a gritty 10-7 extra-inning victory over University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma on Tuesday afternoon at Bill Smith Ballpark.
How It Happened
Science and Arts struck early, capitalizing on a first-inning error and exploding for five runs in the third, highlighted by a three-run home run. The Drovers added another unearned run in the fourth to build a 7-0 advantage.
The Braves finally broke through in the sixth inning. Dylan Snead drew a walk to spark the rally, and Ottawa strung together three hits and a sacrifice fly to plate four runs. RBI singles by Julius Ryan and Jesus Rodriguez, along with a Jose Vega sacrifice fly, cut the deficit to 7-4.
Ottawa’s pitching staff then slammed the door. After allowing seven runs (five earned) through four innings, the Braves bullpen combined to throw nine shutout innings, scattering just four hits and stranding multiple base runners to keep the game within reach.
The breakthrough came in the 13th. Snead was hit by a pitch and came around to score on a Jalen Ryan RBI single. Vega followed with a sacrifice RBI, and Declan Brown delivered the go-ahead RBI single to complete the three-run frame and give Ottawa its first lead of the afternoon, 10-7.
Diego Centella closed the door in the bottom half, stranding two runners to secure his first save of the season.
Stats Breakdown
- Ottawa outhit Science and Arts, 13-8
- Jalen Ryan: 4-for-7, 2 runs, 2 RBI
- Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, 3 RBI
- Dylan Snead: 2-for-3, 3 runs scored
- Julius Ryan: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 walks
- Declan Brown: 1-for-6, game-tying and go-ahead RBI in 13th
- Jose Vega: 2 RBI, two sacrifice flies
- Tyler Talbert: 4.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 6 K
- Luis Diaz: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 K
- Ben Hewitt (W, 5-1): 1.0 IP, 0 R, 2 K
- Diego Centella (Sv, 1): 1.0 IP, 0 R, 1 K
Ottawa’s bullpen combined for 10 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits after the fourth inning while striking out 13.
Who is Next
Ottawa (17-3, 9-2) returns to the diamond to start its three game series with Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. on Saturday, March 7. First pitch of Saturday’s double header is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.