CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State baseball team opened the home slate with wins over Ottawa University and Baker University on Saturday at Hillcat Complex.
The Cats opened the day with an 8-3 victory over Ottawa University and closed out the evening with a 14-4 run-rule over Baker University.
GAME ONE (vs. Ottawa University)
Rogers State started the afternoon strong as they recorded two runs in the bottom of the first. Senior Colton West kept the Cats alive with a two-out single. Randy Ramirez followed with a walk to put runners on first and second. Designated hitter, Cody Campbell doubled to right field sending West and Ramirez across home plate.
The Braves cut the Cats lead in half in the top of the second. However, junior Cade McKewon's two-out single to right field in the bottom half of the inning plated Joe Manbodh and Jairo Valdez to increase RSU's lead to 4-1.
Ottawa battled back adding two runs in the top of the third. RSU responded in the bottom of the inning. West singled to centerfield and stole second. Campbell singled to leftfield which allowed West to reach home plate. Billy Balak singled and Campbell scored to give the Cats a 6-3 cushion.
The Hillcats held the Braves scoreless in the top of the fourth while adding a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the inning. Senior Brandt Barnes led off with a double to centerfield. McKewon's sacrifice bunt put Barnes on third and West's sacrifice fly to centerfield brought Barnes across the plate. Randy Ramirez followed with a double and scored on a single by Balak.
Grant Cosby (1-0) recorded the win pitching five innings while allowing three runs, one earned on six hits with two strikeouts. The Cats tallied 12 hits and eight RBI. Campbell was 3-for-3 as he drove in four runs.
GAME TWO (vs. Baker University)
The Hillcats pounded out 16 hits and run-ruled Baker University in the first of the three-game series.
Senior Tyler Garner opened the game by retiring the side in order. The Hillcats carried that momentum into the bottom half of the inning as they batted around and plated eight runs on eight hits. The Cats added four more runs in the second to take a commanding, 12-0, lead.
The Wild Cats chipped away at the deficit by adding two runs in the third and one run in both the fourth and fifth innings. However, the Hillcats sealed the victory in the bottom of the fifth with a pair of runs to complete the run-rule.
Six Hillcats were perfect on offense. Ramirez led the way as he went 4-for-4 with one RBI. Campbell, Kevin Radford and Lance Rymel each went 2-for-2 while Jairo Valdez and Frensly Martina went 1-for-1. Keith Poverud paced the scoring production with four RBI.
Garner (2-0) earned the win on the mound after giving up two runs, one earned, on four hits with eight strikeouts.
Rogers State (7-1) will round out the weekend with a double header against Baker on Sunday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
