SALINA, Kan. – The Ottawa University baseball team fell 6-2 to Evangel University at Dean Evans Stadium in its opening game of the KCAC Tournament.
Game Recap
Evangel broke through in the top of the third inning, using a pair of home runs to take control. A three-run blast followed by a solo shot gave the visitors a 4-0 lead.
The Braves responded in the fifth inning.
Garrett Dodd worked a walk and came around to score on an RBI single by
Jalen Ryan, cutting the deficit to 4-1.
Ottawa continued to chip away in the seventh. After Dodd again reached base and advanced into scoring position,
Dylan Snead delivered a sacrifice fly to bring the Braves within 5-2.
Out of the bullpen,
Luis Diaz gave Ottawa a strong lift, holding Evangel to just one run over four innings and keeping the Braves within reach heading into the late innings.
Evangel added an insurance run in the ninth, and Ottawa threatened in the bottom half with a two-out single from
Jose Lopez, but the rally fell short as the Braves couldn't capitalize further.
Stats Recap
- Jalen Ryan: 1-for-4, RBI, stolen base
- Jose Lopez: 2-for-3, reached base twice and sparked late offense
- Garrett Dodd: Scored both Ottawa runs, reached base twice (2 BB)
- Dylan Snead: RBI via sacrifice fly
- Luis Diaz: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K — strong relief outing
- Nicolas Docherty: 2.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K
- Ottawa totaled 5 hits and 2 runs, committing no errors defensively
- Braves pitching combined for 10 strikeouts on the day
Who is Next
Ottawa (38-13) will now play an elimination game against Tabor College on Thursday, April 30 at Dean Evans Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 9:00 a.m.
