SALINA, Kan. – Ottawa University showed resilience and offensive firepower, but an early surge by Oklahoma Wesleyan proved too much to overcome as the Braves fell 12-10 on Wednesday afternoon at the KCAC Tournament.
Ottawa wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.
Braxton Stainbrook delivered the big swing, launching a three-run home run to right center to give the Braves early momentum.
Oklahoma Wesleyan responded quickly, trimming the deficit in the first before erupting for seven runs in the second inning and adding three more in the third to build a 12-3 advantage.
Despite the setback, the Braves never backed down.
Ottawa chipped away in the fourth inning, scoring twice on defensive miscues, and added another run in the sixth. The Braves saved their biggest push for the seventh inning, rallying for four runs on five hits.
Alexandra Genty and
Cassi Rodgers delivered back-to-back RBI doubles, and
Abby Bellamy added an RBI single to bring Ottawa within two runs.
Stats Recap
- Ottawa finished with 10 runs on 14 hits, matching OKWU's hit total
- Braxton Stainbrook: 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
- Alexandra Genty: 3-for-4, 2 runs, RBI, double
- Abby Bellamy: 3-for-5, RBI
- Cassi Rodgers: 1-for-4, double, 2 RBI
- Devanie Medina: 3-for-3, run scored, stolen base
- Ottawa scored 5 runs over the final two innings, applying late pressure
- Cassi Rodgers provided strong relief in the circle, allowing 0 runs over 4.0 innings
- Braves capitalized on three OKWU errors, with multiple unearned runs
Who is Next
Ottawa (32-17) will now play an elimination game against the winner of the Bethany College/Avila University contest at Salina South High School on Thursday, April 30. First pitch is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
