CLAREMORE, Okla. - The Rogers State baseball ball team split its Sunday doubleheader against Baker University (Kan.) at Legion Field in Claremore.
The Hillcats ran their record to 12-0 before dropping the opening game of the day to the Wildcats in extra-innings, 4-2. RSU tied the game in the bottom of the seventh but were unable to perform the late inning heroics it had Saturday evening, giving up a pair of runs in the top of the ninth. Coach Ron Bradley's squad answered with a 12-2 victory in the nightcap.
RSU swept a doubleheader over the Wildcats on Saturday afternoon to win the series 3-1.
GAME ONE
The Hillcats rallied twice to tie the score however, they were unable to overcome a two-run deficit in the ninth, falling 4-2 in extra innings.
Baker dented the scoreboard in the top of the first with a RBI single by Joey Orozco. The Wildcats held RSU scoreless until the fourth inning. The Hillcats knotted the game with a single by Hector Rivera that scored Keith Poverud who doubled earlier in the inning.
After two scoreless innings the Wildcats regained the lead in the top of the seventh with an RBI single by pinch hitter Chase Dengel. With their backs against the wall, the Diamond Cats found a way to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Eric Baker led off theframe with a double and stole third base. He scored on a double by Cody Campbell. The Hillcats had a chance to win the game with runners on first and third but were unable to covert a run which led to free baseball.
With two outs in the top of the ninth, the Wildcats tallied three straight singles to load the bases. Pinch hitter Justin Lane singled to center and scored two runs to put Baker back on top. RSU was able to put runners in scoring position in the bottom of the inning but were unable to complete the comeback for the third time in the game.
Drew Taylor (0-1) received the loss on the mound, tossing two innings and giving up two runs on four hits while fanning three.
GAME TWO
The Hillcats crushed the Wildcats in the nightcap. Baker opened the game with a 1-0 lead in the top of the first but it was the only lead it would enjoy in the contest.
RSU matched the Wildcats one run in the bottom of the first with an RBI groundout by Cody Campbell. They took the lead in the fourth inning with four runs on four hits and the help of one Wildcat error. With runners on first and second, Poverud laid down a bunt to advance the runners and was safe at first thanks to a wild throw which also allowed a run to score. Jeff Fyfe and Emmanuel De La Cruz followed with a RBI groundouts and Rivera hit a RBI single to give RSU a 5-1 lead.
The Wildcats earned a run back in the top of the fifth however; the Hillcats busted the game open in the bottom of the inning, plating seven runs. Fyfe got things going with a two-out two RBI triple to the warning track in right field. Fyfe scored on a wild pitch and Baker followed with a RBI triple. Rivera singled to right to bring Baker home and Cody Campbell rounded out the scoring with a two RBI double.
Jacob Wenaas (1-0) registered his first win of the season on the mound as he tossed 4.1 innings and allowed two runs on three hits with three strikeouts. Joe McGee finished the game as he hurled 2.2 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Baker and Rivera led the Cats both going 3-for-4 at the plate. Cody Campbell and Jeff Fyfe tallied three RBIs apiece.
Rogers State (13-1) will return to action on Tuesday as it travels to Bacone College for a nine-inning contest. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.
