SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Ottawa University baseball team defeated Evangel University 9-3 in the third game between the two teams to take the 2-1 series victory.
Game Recap
1st Inning
Evangel scratched across a run without a hit, capitalizing on two wild pitches and a double play to take a 1-0 lead. It would be their only lead of the afternoon.
2nd Inning – The Turning Point
Ottawa's patience at the plate completely unraveled the Valor pitching staff:
- Julius Ryan walked and stole second to spark the rally.
- Kaiden Hoapili laced an RBI single to tie the game.
- Jose Lopez followed with an RBI walk to give Ottawa the lead.
- Jalen Ryan worked yet another bases-loaded walk to make it 3-1.
- Dylan Snead added a sacrifice fly to cap a four-run frame.
5th Inning
A textbook small-ball execution extended the lead.
Julius Ryan and
Jeremy Freeman, Jr. singled, and
Alejandro Paz dropped down a sacrifice bunt that brought home Freeman to make it 5-1.
6th Inning
- Snead delivered an RBI walk.
- A defensive miscue by Evangel allowed two more runs to score.
In a blink, it was 8-2 Ottawa.
7th Inning
The Braves tacked on one more as Lopez executed a bunt single for an RBI after aggressive base running put two runners in scoring position.
Evangel managed a late unearned run in the bottom half, but the outcome was never in doubt.
By The Numbers (Ottawa)
- 9 runs on 8 hits
- 8 RBIs
- 8 walks drawn
- 7 stolen bases (Ju. Ryan; B. Franz; R. Williams 2; plus aggressive extra-base advances)
- 2 strikeouts as a team
- 4-run second inning — decisive frame
Offensive Leaders
On the Mound
Adrian Quintana (W, 1-1)
Nicolas Docherty
Tyler Talbert
- 1.0 IP
- 1 unearned run
- 3 strikeouts
Who is Next
Ottawa (13-2, 6-1) returns to the diamond on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in Hillsboro, Kan. against Tabor College. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
