SENECA, Mo. – The Ottawa University baseball team fell 4-3 to McPherson College in its opening game of the KCAC Tournament on Thursday morning at Seneca High School.

McPherson struck first, taking a 1-0 lead over the Braves in the top of the first inning. The Bulldogs increased their lead to 2-0 in the top of the third.

Ottawa rallied in the bottom of the seventh. Jackson Alaniz singled to left and Brian Parry entered the game as a pinch runner. Jesus Rodriguez hit a home run to center field, scoring Parry and the game was tied 2-2.

The Bulldogs retook the lead with a run in the top of the eighth, 3-2. Ottawa answered with a run to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth.

Jeremy Freeman, Jr. walked and then moved to third on an error by the MC pitcher. Cole Broughton's sacrifice fly to center scored Freeman, tying the game at 3-3.

In the top of the ninth, McPherson retook the lead once again. The Braves were unable to answer and MC took the 4-3 victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Jesus Rodriguez, Jackson Alaniz, and Anthony Soria had one hit apiece for the Braves.
• Zack Melendez pitched seven innings, striking out seven.
• Luis Diaz pitched two innings, striking out four in the loss.

Who is Next
Ottawa (38-13) will play Friends University in an elimination game on Friday, May 2 in Joplin, Mo. First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.