GLENDALE, Ariz. — Ottawa University built multiple leads and plated eight runs, but a six-run eighth inning by Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) proved decisive as the Eagles rallied for a 10–8 win Thursday afternoon at ACU Baseball Field.
Embry-Riddle struck first in the opening inning on an RBI double, but Ottawa answered in the third when
Julius Ryan drove in Dylan Sneed on a fielder's choice to tie the game.
The Braves took control in the fourth. After loading the bases, Sneed ripped a two-run double to right field, scoring
Robby Williams and
Declan Brown to give OU a 3–1 lead.
ERAU pulled even in the fifth with two runs, but Ottawa responded immediately.
Kaiden Hoapili brought home a run after reaching on an error, and Williams followed with a two-run home run to right-center to push the Braves back in front, 6–3.
Ottawa added insurance in the sixth as
Jeremy Freeman, Jr. doubled down the left-field line to score
Julius Ryan, and Freeman later came home to make it 8–3.
The Eagles mounted their comeback in the eighth, scoring six runs to flip the game. ERAU used just one hit in the inning, capitalizing on free passes and defensive miscues to take a 10–8 lead.
Ottawa was unable to answer in the final two frames.
By the Numbers
- Robby Williams: 4-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI, HR
- Dylan Sneed: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, 2B
- Jeremy Freeman: 2-for-5, RBI, 2B
- Alejandro Paz: 2-for-5
- Ottawa out-hit ERAU 12–7
- ERAU scored six runs in the eighth inning
- Ottawa left 10 runners on base
Pitching Notes
- Josh Ashen started for Ottawa, allowing one run over 4.0 innings with five strikeouts
- ERAU reliever Sean Pritchard earned the win after tossing two scoreless innings
- Logan Tice worked a clean ninth inning for the Braves
Who is Next
Ottawa (2-1) returns to the field on Saturday, January 31 against Embry Riddle in Glendale, Ariz. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (cst).
