ALVA, Okla. - After posting a victory to open the series with Northwestern Oklahoma State, Rogers State was unable to claim another game over the weekend as the Rangers took the three-game weekend series in Alva, Okla.
The Hillcats defeated the Rangers 5-4 in the first game off home runs by Zach Hamby and Rob Rodriguez. In game two the Hillcats were unable to capitalize on five hits as Northwestern's Garry Thomas struck out 11 and downed RSU, 6-1 Saturday. In the decisive game three, the Rangers were able to hold RSU to three hits as the Diamond Cats lost the game 5-3 and with it, the series.
GAME ONE
After getting down to the Rangers 4-1 through three innings the Hillcats got off were able to build momentum in the fifth inning with run. RSU then took the lead in the top of the sixth with three runs to undermine Northwestern for the 5-4 victory.
Rodriguez was able to get a three-run homerun for the Hillcats while fellow senior Hamby had a solo-shot. Junior Colton West went 2-for-3 on the day and stole two bases for the Hillcats.
Senior pitcher Grant Cosby went a complete game striking out four and giving up four runs on ten hits. The win was the sixth on the season for Cosby. Danny Santiago recorded the loss for the Rangers giving up four earned runs while striking out seven and walking five.
GAME TWO
In the night cap the Hillcats posted an early run in the first but the Rangers responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the inning. Northwestern took the lead in the bottom of the second with one run. The Rangers then stretched the lead with three runs in the fourth and another run in the fifth. The Diamond Cats struck out 12 times but recorded five hits in the game.
Hamby went 2-for-2 and walked while Jairo Valdez went 2-for-3 but neither scored. The Hillcats lone run came on an error by the Rangers scoring Tyler Harold from third.
Tyler Garner went four and a third innings giving up six runs, three earned, on seven hits while sitting down five Rangers on strikeouts. Garner received the loss moving the sophomore to 6-5 on the season.
Garry Thomas recorded the win going six innings giving up one unearned run on three hits as he struck out 11 and walked five.
GAME THREE
After falling behind to the Rangers by four runs after two innings the Hillcats scored three runs in the seventh. Northwestern scored another run in the bottom of the seventh to stretch its lead back to two and the Diamond Cats went scoreless in the final two innings losing the rubber match 5-3 in nine innings.
RSU was held to three hits scoring three runs. Chris Brown was hit-by-pitch with bases loaded to score Valdez. Then a two RBI single to centerfield by Harold brought home Lance Rymel and Steven Smith.
Jordan Clark pitched two and a third innings giving up four runs on eight hits. Jacob Wenaas came in relief going five and two-thirds giving up one run, on five hits and striking out seven. Clark recorded the loss moving the junior to 1-2 on the season.
Northwestern's Calvin Wright got the win on a six and two-thirds inning performance giving up three runs on two hits and striking out seven. Josh Swain received the save on two and a third innings work for the Rangers as he struck out five and gave up one hit. The two Ranger pitchers struck out the Hillcats 12 times on the day.
