Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 OTTAWA, Kan. - The (20) Ottawa University Braves battled toe-to-toe with (17) Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes in a high-level doubleheader on Saturday, dropping a tight game one before bouncing back to secure the split at Alumni Park.

Game 1:
Ottawa struck first and showed early power, but Kansas Wesleyan capitalized on key moments late to steal the opener.

The Braves got on the board in the second inning in a big way, as Garrett Dodd launched a solo home run, immediately followed by Jose Vega going yard to give Ottawa a 2-0 lead.

Ottawa's pitching staff, led by Tyler Talbert, was dominant through the first four innings, keeping the Coyotes off the scoreboard.

However, the fifth inning proved costly. Kansas Wesleyan plated two runs without recording a hit, taking advantage of Ottawa defensive miscues to tie the game.

The game remained locked until the ninth, when the Coyotes scratched across the go-ahead run on a clutch double and single sequence. Ottawa was unable to respond in the bottom half.

Game 1 Stats Recap

• Garrett Dodd: 1-3, HR, RBI
• Jose Vega: 3-3, HR, RBI (perfect day at the plate)
• Jalen Ryan: 1-4, 2B
• Tyler Talbert: 7.0+ IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 10 K (dominant start)
• Ottawa outhit KWU 6-4 but committed 3 errors
• Braves scored both runs via back-to-back home runs

Game 2:
Ottawa wasted no time bouncing back, delivering a resilient and aggressive performance to take the nightcap.

After falling behind 3-0 in the third inning on a Coyote three-run homer, the Braves answered immediately with a four-run inning fueled by aggressive base running and timely hitting.

Garrett Dodd stayed hot, blasting another home run, while Julius Ryan, Dylan Snead, and Branden Franz all contributed to the rally.

Ottawa added two more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a triple from Julius Ryan and continued pressure on the base paths.
Kansas Wesleyan made things interesting with a two-run homer in the sixth, but Ottawa's bullpen held firm. Caden Gray shut the door in the seventh to secure the win.

Game 2 Stats Recap

• Garrett Dodd: 1-3, HR, RBI (homered in both games)
• Julius Ryan: 2-3, 2 R, RBI, 3B
• Dylan Snead: 1-3, 2 R, SB
• Branden Franz: 1-2, RBI
• Kaiden Hoapili: 2-2
• Ottawa totaled 8 hits and 5 stolen bases

Who is Next
Ottawa (28-7, 16-6) returns to the diamond on Tuesday, March 31 with a road contest against non-conference opponent Central Christian College in McPherson, Kan. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.